TRENTON – The Senate Higher Education Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton that would establish a Statewide Skills Academy Network to strengthen collaboration among education and workforce training providers and better align training programs with the needs of New Jersey’s economy.

The bill, S-3217, would require the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), in consultation with the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, to create a statewide network connecting county colleges, vocational schools, and union training providers.

“New Jersey’s economy depends on a workforce that is prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Senator Troy Singleton (D-Burlington). “By improving coordination between our community colleges, vocational schools, and union training programs, we can expand access to industry-recognized credentials and ensure workers have clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers.”

The network would facilitate the ongoing exchange of best practices and resources in workforce training and skill development. It would also identify gaps between employer demand for industry-recognized credentials and the availability of training programs that enable workers to earn them.

Additionally, it would evaluate geographic disparities in access to training opportunities and advise the Secretary of Higher Education on developing an integrated, statewide credentialing system to support career mobility and labor-market success.

The legislation would also establish a process for creating regional skills academies that serve as hubs for workforce training. County colleges, vocational schools, and union training providers could apply to OSHE to participate in the network and operate a regional academy.

OSHE, in consultation with the consortium, would establish criteria for selecting participating academies and awarding grants. Priority would be given to training programs that offer evening and weekend hours to expand access for working adults.

Each regional skills academy would develop a training site offering short-term, stackable credential programs in high-demand sectors. These programs would improve workforce readiness and strengthen job placement outcomes for participants.

By strengthening coordination among training providers and expanding access to flexible credential programs, the legislation aims to connect workers with in-demand skills better and help New Jersey employers find the talent they need.

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