The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is offering $4 million in grants to increase access to construction trades careers for women and minority groups.

Announced Feb. 2, the funding is available through the New Jersey Builders Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity (NJBUILD) program.

The targeted, competitive grant initiative provides funding for eligible organizations toward construction trades training, placement services, and support to women and minority populations.

Virtual technical assistance workshops will be held Feb. 6 and Feb. 28.

“Women and minority groups have for too long faced significant barriers to entry and advancement in the construction industry,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “Through NJBUILD, we’re helping industry employers take positive steps to enhance diversity and inclusion in their workforces and offer a rewarding career pathway to new population or workers.”

According to the NJDOL, organizations eligible to apply include:

• Employers based in New Jersey or with a New Jersey presence
• Workforce intermediary sponsors
• Employer/trade associations
• Labor organizations representing workers in the occupation in which participants will be trained
• Labor/management partnerships (public or private)
• New Jersey Local Education Agencies
• New Jersey public high school or vocational schools
• Two- and four-year higher education institutions
• Public or private nonprofit organizations
• Business or trade organizations representing a particular trade, group of trades, contractors or employers
• Community-based organizations
• Local New Jersey workforce development boards
• Economic development boards
• Economic development organizations
• State, local and county governments around New Jersey
• Any other private educational or training entity that is on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)

To apply, the letter of intent is due by noon March 8. Applications are due by noon March 15.

The full grant notice and details is available here.