Sponsored by:
Assemblyman WILLIAM F. MOEN, JR.
District 5 (Camden and Gloucester)
Assemblywoman ANGELA V. MCKNIGHT
District 31 (Hudson)
Assemblyman ROY FREIMAN
District 16 (Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblymen Verrelli, Sampson, Assemblywoman Speight and Assemblyman Wimberly
SYNOPSIS
Designates September of each year as “Workforce Development Month.”
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating September of each year as “Workforce Development Month.”
Whereas, Investment in the education, training, and career advancement of the workforce in New Jersey, known as “workforce development,” is crucial to the ability of New Jersey to compete in the national and global economies; and
Whereas, Collaboration among governors, local governments, State and local education, workforce, and human services agencies, community colleges, local business, employment service organizations, and workforce development boards provides for long-term, sustainable, and successful workforce development across traditional sectors and emerging industries; and
Whereas, Between 2020 and 2030, 60 percent of new jobs in the United States will not require a four year degree; and
Whereas, Workers without postsecondary education and training are more likely to be unemployed; and
Whereas, Unemployment rates among minority groups have shown to be higher than average; and
Whereas, The 18 workforce development boards and 28 American Job Centers in New Jersey provide training, resources, and assistance to workers who aim to compete in the 21st century economy; and
Whereas, New Jersey utilizes multiple State and federal programs, including the Growing Apprenticeship In Nontraditional Sectors program, the NJ Pathways Leading Apprentices to a College Education plan, the Pre-Apprenticeship In Career Education program, and the Youth Transition to Work program, to promote workforce development in a variety of fields with a wide range of workforce development training providers; and
Whereas, Community colleges and other workforce development training providers in New Jersey are well situated to train the next generation of workers in the State and to address the educational challenges created by emerging industries and technological advancements; and
Whereas, Participation in a career and technical education program decreases the risk of students dropping out of high school; and
Whereas, Community and technical colleges serve millions of students annually at a comparatively low cost; and
Whereas, Apprenticeship programs are a key component of workforce development; and
Whereas, As of 2021 there are currently 8,957 active apprentices in 1,156 apprenticeship programs in New Jersey; and
Whereas, Workforce development is crucial to sustaining economic security for workers in New Jersey; now, therefore,
Be It
Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey:
1. September of each year is designated as “Workforce Development Month” to support State and federal initiatives to promote workforce development and acknowledge that workforce development plays a crucial role in supporting workers and growing the economy.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of the State to observe “Workforce Development Month” with appropriate activities and programs.
3. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall take appropriate measures each year to publicize “Workforce Development Month.”
4. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates September of each year as “Workforce Development Month” to encourage awareness of and participation in workforce development programs in New Jersey. “Workforce Development” is the education, training, and career advancement of the workforce in New Jersey. The joint resolution also authorizes the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of the State to observe “Workforce Development Month” with appropriate activities and programs. Lastly, this resolution requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to take appropriate measures each year to publicize “Workforce Development Month.”
Workforce Development is crucial to combatting unemployment and fostering a healthy economy in New Jersey and throughout the United States. Through workforce development programs, people are able to get the education and training needed to start new jobs or advance in their careers. Many jobs in New Jersey do not require a four year degree, but instead specialized education and skills training. Through workforce development programs, such as apprenticeships, New Jerseyans are able to get the training needed to pursue lucrative, in-demand careers. Workforce development programs also serve to aid people who have historically been underrepresented in certain fields. For example, more than two thirds of grantees through the Growing Apprenticeship In Nontraditional Sectors program are women and people of color, which is double the Statewide average. Women also make up 48 percent of apprentices through that program, more than five times the Statewide average. Workforce development programs are demonstrably effective at supporting the citizens and economy of New Jersey, and this joint resolution will provide increased annual attention to these vital programs.