NJMEP Invited to Participate in the Green Jobs Council
Manufacturing Represented in the State-Wide Renewable Energy Initiative
New Jersey Manufacturing Program, Inc. (NJMEP) graciously accepted an invitation to sit on the Green Jobs Council, part of Governor Murphy’s state-wide renewable energy initiative. The Governor’s commitment to renewable energy is highlighted by the expansion of this council and the Offshore Wind Project taking place off the coast of Atlantic City. NJMEP’s inclusion on the Green Jobs Council will ensure that NJ manufacturing is represented among the thought-leaders involved with this project. New Jersey is home to over 11,000 manufacturing, logistics, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) firms with the capabilities and capacity to assist in New Jersey’s step toward a cleaner future.
Robert Stramara, Chief Operating Officer, NJMEP has been chosen as the representative to sit on the Green Jobs Council.
John W. Kennedy, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, NJMEP shared, “The Manufacturing Sector has long embraced Energy Initiatives like Recycling, Pollution Control Devices, and Solar Power when/where applicable. Also as we know, New Jersey has a highly skilled and educated workforce that will need to play a critical role in advancing future energy initiatives. Big Kudos to the Murphy Administration for looking to further this effort and for considering our Industry as an important part of this undertaking.
If we take the Offshore Wind Project as an example, it is an essential part of the renewable energy plan and our (NJMEP’s) inclusion on the Green Jobs Council ensures the industry has a voice. Many might assume we don’t have the right skills or companies to support such an initiative. This is a misconception that NJMEP wants to correct. This Council will allow us to highlight workforce development initiatives to upskill our current manufacturing capabilities while strengthening those that are already ready to contribute.
Couple that with our excellent STEM and Construction/Erection Capabilities…and Green Energy becomes a key component of Made in NJ!”
Governor Murphy’s office released the following statement, “The Green Jobs Council will lead the transition to the clean energy economy, by working with a diverse group of stakeholders inside and outside government to create a roadmap on transitioning the workforce into high-quality family-sustaining clean energy jobs. The Council will lay out the pathways for partnering with unions and transitioning fossil fuel and other displaced jobs to clean energy jobs, as well as laying the groundwork to ensure that the opportunities presented by the clean energy economy are open to a new generation of New Jersey workers, including people who are traditionally underrepresented in the energy sector. The Council is under the Jobs and Economic Opportunity Council and will present the final report to JEOC.
In order to be successful, the Council, through its members, must work closely with the unions, utilities, environmental justice advocates and businesses, to map out the clean jobs transition that brings in organized labor as a partner while mapping out new pathways of employment. The work product of the Council will be a detailed roadmap that details jobs growth predictions in each clean energy sector, training needs, existing training programs, design of high school and vocational school programs, funding needs, transition programs specifically focused on organized labor and the fossil fuel industry, and analysis of how to ensure diversity and opportunity in this growing sector.”
NJMEP engages with thousands of local manufacturers across the state. This close collaboration with the industry gives NJMEP an intimate knowledge of NJ manufacturing capabilities and deficiencies. Through innovative training programs, NJMEP has already been upskilling incumbents and young adults, providing critical manufacturing skills and credentials. Bolstering the workforce is a top priority for NJMEP as well. With new industrial opportunities being presented, this work is even more critical and the inclusion of NJMEP on the Green Jobs Council will help ensure local resources are utilized.
About NJMEP:
NJMEP is a private, not–for-profit organization that improves the profitability and competitiveness of New Jersey’s manufacturers. Backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NJMEP enables organizations to enhance their productivity and efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve employee performance.
For more than 20 years, NJMEP has used its extensive network of connections and proven track record of success to help manufacturers adapt to the latest innovative technologies and best practices to realize more than $5.4 billion in value. Our services are categorized into the following three areas: Operational Excellence, Innovation and Growth Strategies, and Workforce Development. NJMEP also has a signature philanthropic program, Manufacturing Cares, which is designed to provide a platform for manufacturers to give back to the community by pooling efforts to increase our impact.