Andrzejczak, Van Drew Bill to Establish Certification Programs Becomes Law

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Andrzejczak and Senator Jeff Van Drew, which would establish county college certification programs to meet the needs of certain regional employers, was signed into law today.

“Community college certificate programs will help to expand New Jersey’s workforce by giving students the opportunity to learn skills tailored to their potential employers,” said Senator Andrzejczak (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). “These programs will open new pathways and economic opportunities for students after graduation by fostering a stronger relationship between students and employers.”

The law directs the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development to consult with each county college to develop certification programs. The certification programs will connect regional employers to county colleges so they can collaborate to create programs that provide the knowledge and skills required by the employers.

These certificate programs will directly target businesses and industries located in the region that have an identifiable and immediate need to hire employees with skills that are not currently being taught at the community college. The employer will develop the certification curriculum to ensure that it is aligned with their needs.