The New Jersey Council of County Colleges says the “Manufacturing in Higher Education Act” signed into law earlier this week will strengthen efforts to align K-12 and college education to the skills needed in modern manufacturing workforces.
NJCCC President Aaron Fichtner said the law reflects the deep commitment and partnership between the New Jersey Business Industry Association (NJBIA), NJ Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP), New Jersey community colleges, and the NJCCC’s NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative.
“The law promotes the creation of manufacturing career pathways offered through community colleges and county vocational school districts and through our NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative to help students gain the skills necessary for employment in manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors,” Fichtner said.
Under the new law government, higher education, and K-12 will continue to focus on the needs of manufacturers through our NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative. Also, an Advanced Manufacturing Council will be created under the State Employment and Training Commission and a manufacturing liaison role under the NJ Business Action Center.
“This law solidifies our efforts to align education with the needs of manufacturers, said NJCCC Vice President Catherine Starghill. “As a result, we will continue to improve the quality of New Jersey’s manufacturing workforce and strengthen our state’s economy.
“New Jersey’s community colleges appreciate Governor Murphy prioritizing workforce development by signing this bill into law,” she added.
