Women and Minorities in Construction Trades Program Round 1

The Women and Minorities in Construction Trades Program Round 1 is a state grant opportunity offered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to eliminate economic barriers to skills training and work readiness for women and minority groups. The program focuses on connecting target populations, including dislocated workers, youth, and ex-offenders, to quality training and employment through collaborations with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors and employers. The anticipated contract period runs from January 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028, with an application deadline of October 28, 2026. Funding is structured as a hybrid payment model with a maximum allowable cost of 15,000 dollars per participant. This total includes up to 11,250 dollars for program development and training via cost reimbursement, 2,250 dollars for quality placement outcomes, and 1,500 dollars for retention outcomes at 30 and 60 days. Administrative costs are capped at 10 percent of the total award. Awards are determined through a competitive process evaluating the program activity plan and prior grantee performance, with final approval granted by the Commissioner of NJDOL. Applications must be submitted through the IGX online grant system and include a variety of narratives, budget details, and commitment letters from placement partners.