U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th District,of New Jersey, vowed her support toward the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, saying it coincides with her approach to representing her constituents.

“We are focused on bringing down health care costs and improving infrastructure,” Sherrill said. “We know that we get a return on investment from the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program of 14.5 to 1.”

“I will continue to be a huge proponent of moving businesses into New Jersey,” Sherrill said. “I know all the colleges in the area are working really hard to meet needs.”

Sherrill was a guest Friday of the nonprofit NJMEP during its state-of-the-state of manufacturing event at County College of Morris.

New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program President and Chief Executive Officer John Kennedy touted apprenticeships as a key to professional success. An engineer, Kennedy started two companies in New Jersey that he has subsequently sold.

“You have to give a pathway,” Kennedy said of career paths for young adults. “A pathway does not begin and end with a singular training course.”

“… I have sent a lot of people through County College of Morris,” Kennedy said. “Apprenticeships are critical to what we do and all of us have a part to play. If it begins and ends with NJMEP, we will fail.”

Hundreds of people attended the NJMEP event on Friday and a separate NJMEP event in Trenton on Monday.

More from the 2019 NJMEP State of the State of Manufacturing:

• Manufacturing apprenticeships and workforce development take center stage at NJMEP event
• Manufacturing connections: Reduce over-regulations, lower the cost of doing business
• NJMEP state of the state: Skilled workforce key, but high taxes hurt
• Sweeney delivers keynote at 2019 NJMEP State of the State
• EDA chief: New Jersey innovation economy includes investment in manufacturing
• Manufacturing challenges examined: Minimum wage, attracting skilled employees