New Jersey needs more people who can fix cars, and Jim Appleton, president of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers is helping to train thousands of individuals to do the work. His organization received a $907,000 grant to the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development to support its Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Program.

Some government procurement programs favor women-owned business, and a number of programs “in New Jersey in general, and Newark in particular, encourage women entrepreneurs in general,” said Zago Manufacturing Chief Executive Officer Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich. “But not so many in manufacturing. There could be more.”

The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Labor's awarding of $183.8 million in grants to 23 academic institutions and consortia nationwide.

Through an online B2B catalog, established and emerging brands can choose from women’s, men’s and children’s wear; shoes and accessories; and home textiles to label with their own brand and offer to customers, in weeks, and for some styles, in just days.

The appointments come on the heels of the Florham Park-based company’s acquisition of two Los Angeles-based businesses – including Cosmetic Design Group.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced grant awards on Feb. 11 totaling $2.8 million to seven New Jersey businesses, colleges and other organizations for training programs that will employ 480 new apprentices within the next 12 months. The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program received $596,000 for its efforts through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors program. The training is designed to promote economic growth by building experience.

Nicholas Marcello will serve as operations manager for the Linden-based company at its 45,760-square-foot Regional Distribution Center in Piscataway.

The manufacturer took home the honor from the Reshoring Initiative and the domestic textile manufacturing association SEAMS at the inaugural Manufacturing Reshoring Awards.

High school graduates taking part will have the opportunity to earn a salary with full benefits while learning a trade in advanced manufacturing.

The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program is hosting training classes consisting of four sets of courses that meet requirements of the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council in safety awareness, quality practices in management, manufacturing processes and production and maintenance awareness.

Hair care users nationwide can mail empty bottles to Trenton-based recycler TerraCycle for free.