Meeting the Demand for a Pipeline of Employees and Innovation
The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) and County College of Morris (CCM) announced at a press conference today that they have received a $5 million United States Department of Defense (DOD) grant to educate and train veterans and their families for careers in manufacturing at no cost. This grant was awarded to NJMEP by the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC), resulting in the creation of the New Jersey Defense Manufacturing Community Consortium (NJDMCC).
This unique program will help veterans and their families prepare for in-demand, well-paying positions in advanced manufacturing. CCM is known for its support programs that benefit veterans through community partnerships career training and special programs.
“We are proud to be a part of this program designed to support veterans and their families,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “Over the last several years, CCM has developed and gained wide recognition for its advanced manufacturing programs and its state-of-the-art training facility, the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center. It is an honor to broaden that into assisting greater numbers of veterans who have served our country with respect and dignity. CCM is grateful for the substantial support from the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, Senator Tony Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and many other elected officials.”
The NJDMCC/CCM partnership has a two-fold mission of supporting veterans on their path to civilian employment and assisting the DOD supply chain by identifying companies and technologies that will allow Picatinny Arsenal to strengthen innovation.
“Advanced manufacturing provides incredible, sustainable career opportunities for our nation’s veterans and their family members,” said John W. Kennedy, Ph.D., CEO of NJMEP.
“Often, these individuals are a perfect match to support the Department of Defense and its supply chain because of the training and experience they received while enlisted,” explained Torsten Schimanski, Chief Strategy Officer, NJMEP. “This investment into this underserved community will go so far in helping veterans gain the industry-relevant knowledge they will need to make a smooth transition into advanced manufacturing.”
The training opportunities offered by NJMEP and CCM will focus on foundational manufacturing skills such as CNC, and welding, as well as certifications in safety and production processes. The program is available for five years and will assist 1,200 participants.
“I am thrilled to see this grant funding coming to New Jersey that will create job training positions for over 1,200 veterans and family members over the next five years,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill in announcing the grant. “Thank you to NJMEP and the many organizations involved, including NJ Pathways, the NJ Veterans Chamber of Commerce, and the County College of Morris, for your ongoing partnership in advocating for the manufacturing sector here in the Garden State.”
To learn how to get started, go to www.ccm.edu/veterans-grant/.
