TRENTON, N.J. (April 21, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced two agreements to establish sub-arc welding programs at Camden County College (CCC) and Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS). Over $300,000 in funding will be distributed to the two schools to train workers for careers in heavy steel offshore wind component manufacturing.

Sub-arc welding is a welding specialty utilized in large-scale component manufacturing, including for the fabrication of monopiles, which are used as the foundation of offshore wind turbines. As identified in “New Jersey’s Offshore Wind Workforce Assessment Through 2035,” welders are considered to be one of the greatest in-demand occupations for New Jersey’s growing offshore wind industry. By creating training programs with local institutions, New Jersey will continue to provide industry-leading, good-paying jobs, while growing a diverse and well-trained workforce across the emerging offshore wind sector.

“The agreements with CCC and CCTS add to the momentum underway towards meeting New Jersey’s clean energy goals through strategic investments in offshore wind,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Governor Phil Murphy has prioritized building a pipeline of talent for the offshore wind sector in an inclusive, equitable manner that creates opportunities for all New Jerseyans. The State’s highly respected community colleges and technical schools are key partners in providing access to essential training to ensure applicants have the proper skills for the wind industry’s growing opportunities.”

These agreements build on the efforts of the New Jersey Wind Institute for Innovation and Training, which continues to create opportunities through offshore wind workforce development programs. Through the sub-arc welding agreements, students will be equipped to fill positions at manufacturing companies such as EEW Offshore Structures at the Port of Paulsboro. Similar training agreements exist with Gloucester County Institute of Technology and Salem County Vocational Technical Schools.

“We are excited to expand the reach of our offshore wind training programs to Camden County and provide students at these two institutions an opportunity to acquire well-paying positions in the offshore wind industry,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “These welding training opportunities add to our investment in offshore wind training and demonstrate our commitment to ensuring available local talent for the future of offshore wind. as we work towards Governor Murphy’s vision for a stronger, fairer New Jersey.”

CCC will integrate sub-arc welding into its evening welding program for adults and establish a new sub-arc training program for individuals with prior welding experience. Five scholarships will also be made available for CCC students. NJEDA funding will also support marketing and promoting these programs to attract a diverse array of participants.

“We are enthusiastic to work with the NJEDA, industry stakeholders, and all the partners in this endeavor to fill the talent pipeline,” said Camden County College President Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett. “This partnership advances our mission to provide technical and career training for the residents of South Jersey. We are excited to offer this new curriculum that leads to jobs in sub-arc welding.”

The funding will help CCTS, a four-year vocational-technical public school, integrate sub-arc welding into its current training programs and establish an afterschool program to train senior level high school students in Camden County with introductory and sub-arc welding, and other related, skills. Five scholarships will be made available for afterschool students. Relatedly, but through a separate funding source, the school is adding a $2.8 million welding center to its Pennsauken campus, which will expand the number of welding students CCTS can serve.

“We are proud to partner with the NJEDA and the Wind Institute on these training programs,” said CCTS Superintendent Frederick Cappello. “We have a unique window to get involved with the development of New Jersey’s offshore wind industry by training workers from our Pennsauken and Sicklerville campuses. We look forward to helping our students acquire these in-demand, high-paying positions.”

“Expanding training and education opportunities for New Jersey residents is critical as our State works towards closing gaps in the talent pipeline and strengthening the state's innovation ecosystem,” said Dr. Brian K. Bridges, NJ Secretary of Higher Education. “This agreement is a shining example of how academic and industry partners across New Jersey are coming together to create opportunities as a means of addressing the problems of tomorrow.”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.