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GRWDB HOSTING NATIONAL YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP WEEK CAREER EVENT ON MAY 6

In recognition of the first Youth Apprenticeship Week (YAW) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB) will be hosting a free YAW Career Event where businesses, agencies and job seekers will gather to provide apprenticeship opportunities, career information and a chance for youth and community members to network.

The event will take place on Monday, May 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) on 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ. Employers and agencies can register now, and community members can register to attend beginning on April 1.

“Registered Apprenticeship programs like the Career Event we are hosting on May 6 is a proven way for community members to obtain pathways to secure high-paying careers in different fields,” said GRWDB Director Paul Grzella. “We are proud to support Youth Apprenticeship Week and to showcase the impact apprenticeships have on building the workforce in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties and around the state.

“We thank the GRWDB Youth Committee for their assistance with the event, as well as RVCC and the county commissioners in both counties for their ongoing support of our local workforce development programs,” he added.

Community Member Attendees

At the free, YAW Career there will be a light meal available for visiting attendees, as well as a program presentation from 6 to 6:30 p.m. featuring young workers sharing their apprenticeship experiences and explaining how the program has transformed their lives.

Seeking Employers, Agencies and Community Organizations

The free GRWDB YAW Career Event is open to employers, agencies and community organizations that will offer resources, information and opportunities for high school and middle school students, college students, recent graduates, job seekers in transition, parents, and guidance counselors. All organizations that would like to volunteer and participate are invited to register at https://bit.ly/3TaTJ5d.

For more information, contact GRWDB Contract Compliance and Engagement Specialist Jeanne Cassano at jcassano@co.somerset.nj.us or call 908-541-5785.

About Youth Apprenticeship Week (YAW)

Youth Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration that highlights the benefits and value of registered apprenticeship program opportunities for youth, ages 16 to 24. Employers, educators, labor unions, state and federal agencies, and workforce professionals across the country are launching apprenticeship programs that allow young workers to earn competitive wages while obtaining the relevant training and experience to start their careers.

 The GRWDB’s event is just one of many happening across the country. YAW events and activities showcase and promote high-quality, inclusive, in-demand career pathway opportunities through Registered Apprenticeship programs will include Apprenticeship recruitment fairs, Apprenticeship Open houses, Career discovery boot camps, Hackathon competitions, social media challenges, Apprenticeship graduations, signing ceremonies for new programs, Virtual tours for students, Podcasts and more.

About the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board
The GRWDB oversees federally and state-funded career and employment services for businesses and residents in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. Programs and initiatives are guided by a board of private business representatives, labor unions, community-based organizations, educational entities, and other partners who set larger policy initiatives based on metric-based, state-developed data, as well as direct customer and employer feedback. For more information about board services, visit www.thegrwdb.org.

2024 WEBINAR SERIES SET ON PAID TRAINING SERVICES FOR EMPLOYERS IN HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES

Businesses in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties are invited to attend one of a series of webinars to learn how SkillUp Greater Raritan can be used to provide free upskilling training to staff. The sessions will be conducted at 11 a.m. on the second Thursday of the month on April 11, May 9 and June 13, 2024. During each session, there will be examples of how local employers are using the platform for staff training and participants will also learn about other GRWDB paid-training opportunities for businesses.

Any of the Thursday webinars can be joined by going to https://meet.goto.com/510433933.

The SkillUp Greater Raritan Metrix Learning® platform is a free online learning-management system featuring more than 7,000 courses, which can be done individually or with cohorts. The $199 per person cost of the employee training program will be covered by Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB) grant dollars.

Employers can choose a preset learning path, or they can customize the employee learning system to fit their needs. Metrix Learning® personnel will collaborate with employers to create a program that fits their learning needs. This easy online learning-management system will also keep track of employees’ course progress, course completion, and hours of training.

SkillUp Greater Raritan can be used for the following:

  • New Hires – Onboarding standards
  • Career Ascendancy – Identify skills for promotion
  • Managers/Supervisors – Skill development for managers, new and old
  • Technology Training – Ensure staff are familiar with current best practices.

Employers interested in getting started with this program immediately may email info@thegrwdb.org or call 908-541-5790.

Individuals can use SkillUp, too 

This employer-focused initiative aims to broaden how SkillUp is used in the two counties. The GRWDB introduced SkillUp Greater Raritan to its menu of services in February of 2020. Over the past three-plus years, more than 4,000 job seekers in the two counties have used the platform to develop their workplace, digital and interpersonal skills. Individuals who sign up get a free six-month, 24/7 account to use to reach their career goals. Residents can get free access by going to www.thegrwdb.org and clicking on the Resources – SkillUp Greater Raritan tab.

To learn more, residents are invited to attend a series of introductory webinars being conducted at 3 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month in 2024. For log-in information, go to the calendar tab of www.thegrwdb.org and click on the webinar date. For questions, email info@thegrwdb.org or call 908-541-5790.

The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board oversees federally and state-funded career and employment services for businesses and residents in Hunterdon and Somerset counties.

GRWDB ANNUAL REPORT AND LATEST NEWSLETTER FOCUS ON EXPANDING SERVICES

GRWDB’s 2022-2023 Annual Report is now available on the GRWDB website. The report captures not only the past program year (July 2022 to June 2023) but what happened throughout the calendar year as new initiatives were developed and goals reached. This gives a more complete and timely picture of the work being accomplished by the partners in the local area workforce system.

Inside you’ll find:

  • Page 2: Our Board and Committees: Information on the four GRWDB committee, our calendar year 2023 board members and how to get involved
  • Page 3: Our Missions and Our Work: Notable 2023 system accomplishments, and some 2023 numbers
  • Page 4: Our New Initiatives and Our Website: About First Steps Basic English, and Website updates
  • Page 5: Our Performance: From our dashboard, a new presentation of service numbers by key customer categories
  • Page 6: Our Finances: Our Program Year 2023 awards and program services and administrative budgets
  • Page 7: Our Success Stories: How three individuals benefited from system services
  • Page 8: Our Partners: Business, Education, Healthcare, Special Populations and Government.

This Annual Report and past reports are found on the About – Annual Reports tab of the website.

More information on accomplishments and plans may be found in the Fall-Winter 2023 GRWDB Newsletter. The newsletter includes important updates about workforce programs, system enhancements, as well as job fair, job seeker and board meeting information. The newsletter also highlights information about upcoming programs in 2024 including the following:

Job Seekers and Employers: 

  • Resume Portal: Learn about updates and recent enhancements to the GRWDB Resume Portal.
  • SkillUp programming: Learn about the 2024 programs for employers and job seekers offered through the online learning portal.
  • Accomplishments: Find out what the GRWDB, One-Stop Operator, One-Stop Career Center, and contract providers have achieved during the year for jobseekers.

Community

  • 2024 GRWDB meeting calendar: Get a list of all board and committee meetings, and information on how community members can take part in the foundational work of the four GRWDB committees.
  • About new GRWDB program monitoring policies and procedures:  Get a brief summary about guidelines.

To view and save a downloadable PDF of the Fall-Winter 2023 GRWDB Newsletter, go here. This newsletter and past editions are found in the Events – Stay Informed page of the GRWDB website.

About the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board
The GRWDB oversees federally and state-funded career and employment services for businesses and residents in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. More information about these programs can be found on https://www.thegrwdb.org , including stories on initiatives, a Resource tab for job seekers, and an updated calendar of events. Weekly text alerts highlight career and job opportunities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Text “onestop” to 565-12 to sign up. For more information, email info@thegrwdb.org or call 908-541-5790.

FREE PROGRAMS EXPANDED TO SERVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

First Steps Basic English, a free 18-month pilot program for English-language learners, launched in the fall of 2023 in Somerset County. The pilot program, funded by the Somerset County Board of Commissioners through funds from the American Rescue Plan, is part of the free adult literacy programs for English-language learners currently available in Hunterdon and Somerset counties.

The pilot program began with five classes throughout the county to help those just beginning to learn the English language. The program also funds a Literacy Navigator, who is based with the Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County (LVSC) and helps connect individuals to all related literacy services and other supportive services. Registration for the 2024 classes has closed and a total of eight classes are expected to begin by March. To contact Stella Nieves, the Literacy Navigator, email snieves@literacysomerset.org

Providers of the program, LVSC, Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) and the Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission (HCESC), are part of the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board’s Literacy Committee, which seeks to share information about and expand the effectiveness of the free literacy programs in both Hunterdon and Somerset Counties.

In addition, the First Steps initiative is funding the expansion of tutors participating in literacy education provided by the LVSC. For more information on the initiative, visit this landing page.

The existing literacy programs receive funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act federal grant that helps adults gain the necessary literacy and English skills to participate in workforce training programs and employment.

Raritan Valley Community College

For the fall of 2023, RVCC offered three new First Step Basic English classes, at Raritan Borough, Franklin Township, and Bound Brook libraries. These in-person beginner classes were offered twice a week.

The college also offers free literacy and English language skills classes to help individuals prepare for in-demand careers, such as Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing and more. Classes will be conducted in-person and remotely with approximately 15 to 17 students per class, running for two and a half hours and meeting twice a week. Sessions run to April 2024. Zoom classes are planned at different times throughout the week, in the evening and daytime.

Classes in the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Programs teach skills such as listening, speaking and writing. Class participants can enroll in 120-hour English learning classes, a 10-hour OSHA 10 Certification class, or a new 140-hour Healthcare ESL class that provides an Electrocardiogram Technician (EKG) certification upon completion. The hands-on portion of the Healthcare ESL class requires attendance and transportation to a Bound Brook location and will last from September to May.

For more information, visit www.raritanval.edu/literacyx. To schedule a placement-testing session and inquire about the new Healthcare ESL/EKG certification classes, call 908-526-1200, ext. 8686, or email Bonnie.Scharf@raritanval.edu 

Hunterdon County Education Services Commission, ESL

In the fall, First Steps Basic English and other English literacy classes such as high school equivalency, basic computer skills and English Language Acquisition classes ran two days per week at various times at the following locations:

  • In Bernardsville, evenings at the Bernardsville Library (First Steps program)
  • In North Plainfield, evenings at the North Plainfield Library (First Steps program)
  • In Bound Brook, evenings at the Bound Brook Library, and evenings at the Christian Center of Somerset (including a hybrid option)
  • In the Somerset section of Franklin, evenings at Franklin Middle School
  • In Somerville, mornings at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
  • In Flemington, mornings and evenings at the Flemington Adult Literacy Center on Bartles Corner Road
  • In Lambertville, evenings at Fisherman’s Mark and the Lambertville Library.

The HCESC also operates two Workforce Learning Link sites offering adult literacy programs. These programs, offered through the Greater Raritan One-Stop Career Center and funded by the GRWDB, have virtual and in-person components. Visit www.hunterdonesc.org and click on the Adult Programs/Workforce Learning Link.

Students who are interested in placement testing should enroll through the website or click on this link.

For more information, visit www.hunterdonesc.org and click on the links for Adult Programs/English Classes or High School Equivalency. For details about the program, email adultliteracy@hunterdonesc.org, or call 908-237-5000, ext. 13, in Hunterdon County or 908-541-5781 in Somerset County.

Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County

Volunteers at the Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County provide free English Language Acquisition through one-on-one tutoring when the student and tutor pick the time and place, which can be in-person or through Zoom. High beginner through low advanced levels will be accommodated, with the number of “seats” determined by the number of tutors. Enrollment is available through Sept. 8.

In addition, the Literacy Volunteers run Intermediate Conversation Groups on Zoom and in person at the Manville, Bound Brook and Hillsborough libraries; these are drop-in groups with no seating limits.

For more information about services, volunteering, becoming a tutor, email info@literacysomerset.org, call 908-725-5430, or visit LiteracySomerset.org.

Other literacy programs

Volunteers at Hunterdon Helpline provide free literacy services through custom, one-on-one, barrier-free individual instruction, for beginner to advanced English language levels. To obtain an application,  email literacy@helplinehc.com, call 908-782-4357, or visit www.helplinehc.org.

The Hunterdon County Library offers weekly online English Conversation Groups, at 1 p.m. Thursdays. These are low to high levels and there is no seat limit. Email tedwards@hclibrary.us or call 908-713-7005.

Zarephath Christian Church in the Franklin, Somerset County, offers English-language classes, group conversations and accent reduction. Email zmayes@zarephath.org or call 732-560-4001.

Resources

This English-language flyer and this Spanish-language flyer highlight the partners offering literacy services in Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

Weekly text updates highlight career and job opportunities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Text “onestop” to 565-12 to sign up. Additional information on career-development programs offered by the partners of the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board can be found at www.thegrwdb.org.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN-FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE ASSISTED 42 RVCC STUDENTS - SO FAR

Four more Raritan Valley Community College Career students have received workforce scholarships as part of an ongoing scholarship program helping students begin on their career paths through training. Over the past 18 months, 42 students have benefited from the RVCC Scholarship Program, which is supported by the Hunterdon and Somerset Boards of County Commissioners and funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

A portion of funds received from the ARPA was allocated to need-based career scholarships for training programs in high-demand industries offered at the Branchburg-based Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC). The scholarships were made possible through recommendations and collaboration between the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB) and the Hunterdon and Somerset County Boards of Commissioners, and the latest round of four scholarships were awarded in January and February of this year.

“It is an honor to be chosen for the ARP scholarship,” said Nihal Arslan, a Franklin resident who completed the phlebotomy lab assistant program at RVCC earlier this year. “I am really enjoying the information I am learning about healthcare. This scholarship allows me to focus on my studies and additional educational opportunities.”

The career-training scholarship program began in 2022 with a request for funding from the GRWDB. As a result of the request, the Boards of Commissioners allocated in 2022 and 2023 a total of $100,000 to the RVCC Career Scholarship grant program. Somerset County students received $88,000, and Hunterdon County students obtained $12,000 in grant money. The funding is available until the end of 2024.

“Hunterdon County’s partnership with RVCC and the GRWDB is truly paying dividends for students in Hunterdon County,” said Hunterdon County Commissioner Jeff Kuhl, liaison to the GRWDB. “I, along with my colleagues on the board are excited to be able to offer scholarship opportunities to talented students enrolled within in-demand career training programs at Raritan Valley Community College.”

As of February 29, 2024, 35 Somerset County residents and seven Hunterdon County residents have received scholarships. The recipients have completed the college’s training for phlebotomy and electrocardiogram (ECG) technicians, welding and beginning manufacturing pathways. The scholarships pay for the program training costs as well as for related book and exam fees, and as-needed background and liability insurance.

“Somerset County is committed to providing the education and training our younger residents need to take advantage of the in-demand, good-paying jobs of the future,” said Somerset County Commissioner Doug Singleterry, liaison to the GRWDB.

The scholarship recipients come from all communities in the two counties.  Recipients ranged in age and life experiences, with some employed, others seeking employment, and some are new Americans. All recipients were excited to venture into a new career.

“Being given this scholarship has helped me tremendously by providing the funds needed to expand and learn as a student, and as a person overall,” said Hillsborough resident Emily Diaz, who completed the phlebotomy lab assistant program at RVCC earlier this year. “This opportunity has helped not only me but everyone in my class learn how to grow in our careers.”

Sandra Kobezak of the Somerset section of Franklin expressed her “sincere gratitude and appreciation for your support towards the RVCC Phlebotomy program scholarship awards. As someone who did not previously have an opportunity to attend higher education, I decided to take courses in RVCC Workforce Training Center to have an opportunity in advancing careers.”

Another student reported that after completing the course, he was hired as a full-time Phlebotomist/Lab Assistant at one hospital and as a per diem ED Technician at another hospital.

“The scholarships allow breathing room for students who may otherwise be faced with the choice of paying for education or paying for rent or healthcare,” said GRWDB Board Member Joanne Hala. “This effort aligns with the work of the United Way of Northern New Jersey to educate people about our ALICE population – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.”

Approximately $74,800 of the funds have been used for training and related costs for the first group of scholarship recipients. There is a total of $25,200 in funds remaining for eligible applicants who are interested in in-demand training programs at RVCC.

To view Career Training opportunities at Raritan Valley Community College, visit https://www.raritanval.edu/career-training.

To learn more about the RVCC Career Scholarship grant program, email Maryam Sheikh at the Workforce Training Center of RVCC at Maryam.Sheikh@raritanval.edu.

More information about the GRWDB, its program partners and area workforce system services can be found at www.thegrwdb.org.

The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB)
The GRWDB oversees $4 million annually in federal-, state- and county-funded career and employment services for businesses and residents in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. In recent years, it has expanded its footprint of services and programs, to ensure that it is connecting job seekers to career-development pathway opportunities around the region.

OCTOBER 30 JOB FAIR AT RVCC DRAWS HUNDREDS LOOKING TO CONNECT WITH HEALTHCARE AND LIFE SCIENCES EMPLOYERS

More than 350 job seekers met with representatives of 50-plus businesses during the Monday, Oct. 30, Life Sciences and Healthcare Job Fair conducted in the Grand Conference Center at Raritan Valley Community College, Lamington Road, Branchburg.

Hundreds of job seekers attended the Lifesciences and Healthcare Job Fair conducted on Oct. 30 at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg.

The 53 businesses and agencies in attendance from Somerset and Hunterdon counties as well as neighboring counties made this a regional event. Participating businesses included Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Hunterdon Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Catalent Pharma Solutions, home health care agencies, senior living facilities, staffing agencies and dozens of others. Organizations supporting educational opportunities in STEM and career-advancement information advancement also took part.

During the free event, the businesses aimed to connect job seekers to hundreds of open positions with very varied duties and requirements. While many job seekers were from Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, a total of 10 counties in Northern and Central New Jersey as well New York City and Cape May were represented by attendees. Job seekers were invited to pre-register for the event, but more than 120 individuals simply walked in to look for their next opportunity. The job seekers came armed with their resumes and a positive attitude to share with recruiters, and as they left, many said they forged connections with possible prospects.

Job seeker attendees came from 10 counties in Northern and Central New Jersey.

For those unable to attend, here is the list of businesses and agencies with the job titles they are recruiting for and the information that was offered. Job postings for Somerset and Hunterdon Counties also are posted weekly on the Resources – Job Seekers tab of www.thegrwdb.org.

Jan Goodman, the Community Outreach Specialist and Career Coach for the Greater Raritan One-Stop Career Training Center, presented a workshop to a few dozen job seekers.

In addition to meeting employers, attendees were invited to take part in a free career workshop, “Multiple Natures: Unlock the Secret of Your Natural Abilities.” The popular workshop was led by Jan Goodman, the Community Outreach Specialist and Career Coach for the Greater Raritan One-Stop Career Training Center.

The event was presented by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Industry Partnerships team and the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board, working with Raritan Valley Community College, Johnson & Johnson, and Ingenus Pharmaceuticals. Industry Partnerships unite talent with opportunity, with the goal of helping industries in New Jersey continue to grow and succeed.

About the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board

The GRWDB oversees federally and state-funded career and employment services for businesses and residents in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. More information about these programs can be found on www.thegrwdb.org, including stories on different initiatives, a Resource tab for job seekers, and a constantly updated calendar of events. Weekly text alerts highlight career and job opportunities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Text “onestop” to 565-12 to sign up. For more information, email info@thegrwdb.org or call 908-541-5790.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WALK-IN SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR JOB SEEKERS IN HUNTERDON, SOMERSET COUNTIES

Walk-in, appointment, virtual and phone services are available to career seekers in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties through the Greater Raritan One-Stop Career Center offices in Somerville and Flemington.

  • The Greater Raritan One-Stop Career Center Employment Services office and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) office at 75 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Somerville are open for walk-in services 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding state holidays. For information on Employment Services, call 908-704-3000. For information on DVRS, call 908-704-3030.
  • The Greater Raritan One-Stop Career Training Center on the second floor of 27 Warren St. in Somerville is open for walk-in services from 8:30 a.m.to 7 p.m. Monday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, excluding county holidays. Call 908-541-5780; email onestop@co.somerset.nj.us.
  • The Greater Raritan One-Stop Career Center at 6 Gauntt Place in Flemington is open for walk-in services 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, and by appointment on Thursday and Friday, as well as phone and virtual services, excluding county holidays. Call 908-237-0016; email onestop@co.somerset.nj.us.

While walk-in service is available at all these offices, appointments are encouraged to ensure staff will be available as needed by career seekers looking for assistance with job search, resume assistance, training assistance and general career questions. These offices also have public-use computers available for career-related work.

Staff members of the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB) are available for walk-in and appointment service from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the third floor of 27 Warren St. in Somerville. Call 908-541-5790 or email info@thegrwdb.org.

For more information on general system services, visit the home page of www.thegrwdb.org.

Unemployment assistance is not available at any Greater Raritan location. Those with unemployment questions may call 732-761-2020 or visit https://myunemployment.nj.gov to explore additional resources or make an appointment for in-person assistance at one of 13 locations around the state.

The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board oversees federally and state-funded career and employment services for businesses and residents in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. Weekly text alerts highlight career and job opportunities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Text “onestop” to 565-12 to sign up.

FREE LITERACY PROGRAMS AVAILABLE IN HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES

Free adult literacy programs for English language learners of different levels are available to residents of Hunterdon and Somerset counties.

The program providers, Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) and the Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission (HCECS), are part of the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board’s Literacy Committee, which seeks to share information about and expand the effectiveness of the free literacy programs in the two counties.

Programs are funded by a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act federal grant that provides assistance to adults in gaining the necessary literacy and English skills to participate in workforce training programs and employment.

Raritan Valley Community College

RVCC offers free literacy and English language skills to help individuals prepare for employment in the in-demand food service industry.

Classes in the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Program focus on skills such as listening, speaking and writing. Class participants who complete the literacy program and complete 10 hours of training in the areas of appreciation, prevention, avoidance and reduction of health hazards and safety in the workplace are eligible to receive either the ServSafe Food Handler or OSHA 10 certification. These certifications are required by the majority of entry-level restaurant or food service jobs.

Classes meet remotely and in person are typically 15 to 17 people. They usually meet twice a week and run for two and a half hours. For more information on the classes, visit https://www.raritanval.edu/literacy. Interested residents can email Bonnie.Scharf@raritanval.edu or call 908-526-1200, ext. 8686, to schedule a placement testing session. 

Hunterdon County Education Services Commission

High school equivalency, basic computer skills and English Language Acquisition classes are offered by the HCESC at several in-person locations in the two counties. Eleven classes run two days per week at various times at the following locations:

  • In Bound Brook, evenings at the Bound Brook Library;
  • In Flemington, mornings and evenings at the Flemington Adult Literacy Center on Bartles Corner Road 
  • In the Somerset section of Franklin, evenings at Franklin Middle School, and evenings at the Christian Center of Somerset (including a hybrid option)
  • In Somerville, mornings at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

For more details, visit www.hunterdonesc.org and click on the links for Adult Programs / English Classes or High School Equivalency. For details about the program, email adultliteracy@hunterdonesc.org, or call 908-237-5000, ext. 11, in Hunterdon County or 908-541-5781 in Somerset County.

HSESC Workforce Learning Link

The HCESC also operates two Workforce Learning Link sites offering adult literacy programs. These programs, offered through the Greater Raritan One-Stop Career Center and funded by the GRWDB, have virtual and in-person components. Visit www.hunterdonesc.org and click on the Adult Programs/Workforce Learning Link.

Other literacy programs

Volunteers at Hunterdon Helpline provide free literacy services through custom, one-on-one, barrier-free individualized instruction, for low to high English language levels. Email literacy@helplinehc.com or call 908-782-4357 or visit www.helplinehc.org.

Volunteers at the Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County provide free English Language Acquisition through one-on-one tutoring in which the student and tutor pick the time and place, which can be in-person or through Zoom. High beginner through low advanced levels are accommodated, with the number of “seats” determined by the number of tutors. In addition, the Literacy Volunteers also offer Intermediate Conversation Groups on Zoom and in person at the Manville, Bound Brook and Hillsborough libraries; these are drop-in group, with no seating limits. For more information, email info@literacysomerset.org, call 908-725-5430, or visit LiteracySomerset.org. The site also provides details on the LVSC’s year-long Cultural Connections initiative in which tutors and students explored culture and how it affects communication.

Individuals also may contact either organization to learn about how to become a program tutor.

The Hunterdon County Library offers weekly online English Conversation Groups. These are low to high levels and there is no seat limit. Email tedwards@hclibrary.us or call 908-713-7005.

Zarephath Christian Church in the Franklin, Somerset County, offers English-language classes, group conversations and accent reduction. Email zmayes@zarephath.org or call 732-560-4001.

Weekly text updates highlight career and job opportunities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Text “onestop” to 565-12 to sign up. Additional information on career-development programs offered by the partners of the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board can be found on www.thegrwdb.org.

OCTOBER COHORT TRAINING FOR GRWDB BADGE PROGRAM SCHEDULED FOR EMPLOYERS

SkillUp Greater Raritan, a free online learning portal for residents of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, has had more than 2,600 individuals sign up and complete courses since the program was introduced in the area in February 2020.

Among the program’s features is an exclusive Badge credentialing program, introduced earlier this year, that can be used by job seekers and employers in the two counties. Following two successful training cohorts conducted this spring and summer, a new cohort employers can be a part of will launch in mid-October.

In the badge program, 15- to 20-hour, self-paced classes utilize a combination of careers-related gaming classes and SkillUp’s existing online classes to provide focused training in two areas: Job Readiness and New Manager. The Badge pathways allow participants to master skills needed to have competency when they are start or return to work or when they are in new management roles.

The training cohort scheduled to launch on Oct. 17 will focus on the New Manager pathway. New Manager skills include time management, communication, being a first-time manager, leadership, delegation, diplomacy and tact, running meetings, and emotional intelligence. The content was developed by Metrix Learning, the provider of the Skillup Greater Raritan platform. Employers in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties can enroll individual workers or a group of employees for the program, which can be completed by the participants in a two-month period.

One Somerset County-based employer has already committed to enrolling five workers in the fall cohort training program. Employers can enroll individual workers or a group of employees for the cohort training. Employers in either county interested in joining the fall program can register and get more information, including details on the program’s nominal price structure for employers, by contacting Kerry Twomey at Kerry.Twomey@metrixlearning.com.

Employers can also talk with Twomey about the Job Readiness Badge, which includes courses in teamwork, communication, workplace skills, administrative support, listening, telephone skills, emotional intelligence and basic budgeting.

The Badge programs are a program expansion of SkillUp Greater Raritan, introduced in February 2020. The 6,000-plus SkillUp training opportunities are designed to help program participants who are working or looking for employment the opportunity to sharpen their skills and improve their career pathways. The courses are available for free to individuals who live or work in Hunterdon and Somerset counties and can be accessed from a laptop or mobile device during a 180-day, 24/7 license period. Individuals interested in taking part can sign up any time by going to the SkillUp link on the Resources tab of the www.thegrwdb.org. A webinar introducing new users to SkillUp is conducted at 3 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. Go here or to the calendar of the website.

Over the past two years, more than 2,800 SkillUp Greater Raritan participants have spent 9,500plus  hours in course work and completed more than 6,200 courses. The pilot for the cohort Badge training program conducted this spring involved more than 30 individuals who studied both badge pathways. This summer, more than 60 participants in the Greater Raritan Summer Youth Employment Program took part in the Job Readiness badge program as part of this job and career-readiness training initiative.

“We know that employers are juggling many priorities right now, including attracting and retaining employees,” said Joanne Hala, board chair of the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board. “The badge program is one example of the many workforce-related services available to businesses in Hunterdon and Somerset counties.

The Greater Raritan workforce system connects job seekers and employers in Hunterdon and Somerset counties to programs, grant opportunities and other services designed to create and sustain career pathways and robust economic opportunities.

Additional information on career-development in-person and virtual programs and services offered by the GRWDB and its partners can be found on www.thegrwdb.org. For more information on the SkillUp Badges or other career services, email  info@thegrwdb.org call 908-541-5790. In addition, weekly text alerts update highlight career and job opportunities in the two counties; text “onestop” to 565-12 to sign up.

OUR MISSION AND THE SERVICES OF GREATER RARITAN'S SYSTEM PARTNERS

Through policy, oversight, and planning The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB) ensures that workforce training and education are responsive to and meet the needs of employers and job seekers.

Your local workforce system, serving Hunterdon and Somerset counties, continues to evolve how it provides services and reaches out to the community about those services. The GRWDB is part of statewide workforce system that connects employers and residents to a range of in-person and virtual career-related services, including the tens of thousands of open positions available in New Jersey.

Working with the Somerset County Public Information Office, system partners collaborated on videos to explain our mission, vision and services for employers and job seekers in these ever-changing times.

Go here to hear about our services for employers. Employers also can go to the resources/employers tab on our website for more links and information.

Go here to hear about our services for job seekers. Job seekers also can go to the resources / job seekers tab on our website for more links and information.

Go here to hear about the Youth Employment Services (YES) Program.

The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board and its partners offer a variety of free programs and resources to assist job seekers. This includes assistance with job search, resume reviews, career counseling, career-related webinars and workshops, information on training grants for unemployed and underemployed individuals, and connection to career services for low-income residents. Additional free resources available in Hunterdon and Somerset counties include Greater Raritan Resume Portal, SkillUp Greater Raritan, and a variety of literacy services highlighted in this English-language flyer and this Spanish-language flyer. More details on the Local Area’s literacy services may be found at https://www.thegrwdb.org/ESL.

In addition, the GRWDB and state partners provide a variety of services to employers, including Virtual Information Sessions and in-person Recruitment Events for companies hiring in the two counties, as well as On-the-Job Training and Incumbent Worker Training opportunities to support workforce development. Go to the Resources – Employers tab of www.thegrwdb.org.

Details on new and ongoing programs and events for job seekers and employes can be found in the constantly updated Events/Calendar tab of www.thegrwdb.org/.

Service models offered by Greater Raritan One-Stop partners reflect what is happening and is wanted by customers today, with hybrid models offering appointment in-person services along with a virtual suite of services.

  • The Greater Raritan One-Stop Career Training Service Center at 27 Warren St., second floor, in Somerville is open for walk-in career-related services 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.  Call 908-541-5780 or email onestop@co.somerset.nj.us.
  • Walk-in career-related services are available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday at the Greater Raritan One-Stop Career Center at 6 Gauntt Place in Flemington. Appointment-only services are available Thursday and Friday. Call 908-237-0016 or email onestop@co.somerset.nj.us.
  • Staff members at the Greater Raritan One-Stop / Employment Services Center and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) at 75 Veterans Memorial Drive in Somerville are available for walk-in service as well as in-person and phone appointments seeking career-related services.  Offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding state holidays. To schedule an appointment with Employment Services in Somerville, call 908-704-3000; in Flemington, call 908-782-2371. Contact DVRS at 908-704-3030. Residents also can fill out this virtual form to detail what help they need; the completed form will be directed to local officials for direct response.

While walk-ins are welcomed at the offices, appointments are encouraged to ensure staff availability. Staff in all offices also assist customers over the phone, via email and through virtual appointments, and a virtual orientation session for new customers is conducted on Friday mornings by Training Center staff. Virtual career-webinars also continue, as do virtual and in-person job fairs.

PathStone provides customized, people-centered professional development services leading to portable skills and enhanced employability for diverse individuals, including unemployed and under-employed mature workers aged 55+. Call 609-498-0800 or email gargant@pathstone.org.

Learn more about Greater Raritan services

The Greater Raritan One-Stop Training Services Center team also created a fun and informative series of videos called P.E.P. (Preparing for Employment Possibilities) Talks. Watch:

System services assist a variety of populations and residents. These includes programs for residents of either county receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, General Assistance or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. As part of this program effort, the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board offers a Chromebook Loaner Program for eligible participants. Partner services also include the Workforce Learning Link to assist with basic literacy and computer skills and high school diploma equivalency work — this brochure provides more details, in English and Spanish. Another targeted service is the Youth Employment Services Program (YES Program), for out-of-school youth, ages 16 to 24, in Hunterdon and Somerset counties — learn more by reading this program brochure,  in English and Spanish.

Learn more about New Jersey services

Career services for job seekers also are highlighted on the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s website. The site also includes a section of Worker Benefits, Protections and COVID19; this handy checklist can help as well.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development also offers Job Source, offering a variety of tools designed to help fuel a successful job search experience. Users can create a free account and get tips and templates for job search, resume writing, cover letters and many other free services.

Please note: The majority of unemployment-related services are being done online or through a call centers. Residents also can schedule in-person appointments at 13 designated One-Stop Career Center locations throughout New Jersey. (Greater Raritan is NOT among those locations.) Appointments and pre-screening are required; no walk-ins will be served. 

Customers who need to file new Unemployment Insurance claims, update existing claims, have questions about their claims or want to make an make an  in-person appointment may go to https://myunemployment.nj.gov;  click on “Check claim status” and then “Schedule Appointments Online,” following the page prompts. If a participant has an issue with UI enrollment or current claim, they can email UIRegionalOffice@dol.nj.gov. Customers unable to access the Internet should call the following numbers: North Jersey, 201-601-4100; Central Jersey, 732-761-2020; Southern Jersey: 856-507-2340. 

There are also numerous state and community programs and resources available to those who need additional support. For information on assistance in the areas of family, food, child care, health, substance use disorder, rent, housing, utilities, and specialized services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of domestic or sexual violence, please visit myunemployment.nj.gov/morehelp 

Weekly text alerts highlighting career and job opportunities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties are available by texting “onestop” to 565-12. Contact the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board at info@thegrwdb.org or 908-541-5790.

For more information about services for employers, go to the GRWDB website here. For more information about services  for job seekers, go here.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

IN THE COMMUNITY

Collaborating for Mutual Understanding

Seventeen partners of the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board met on Jan. 18 to discuss the 2024-2026 One-Stop Partner Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a document which details all the partners’ services and captures ways partners will share those services with one another in an effort to improve career-related outcomes for the job seekers and businesses […]

Life Sciences and Healthcare Job Fair

More than 350 job seekers met with representatives of 53 businesses and agencies during the Monday, Oct. 30, Life Sciences and Healthcare Job Fair conducted in the Grand Conference Center at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg.  The businesses and agencies in attendance from Somerset and Hunterdon counties as well as neighboring counties made this […]

Regional Job Fair 2023

More than 400 job seekers from around Somerset and Hunterdon Counties and beyond attended the 2023 Greater Raritan Job Fair, hosted at the Hindu Temple and Cultural Society on Route 202-206 in Bridgewater. This second annual event drew more than 80 participating employers who had multiple positions to fill, and job offers were extended as […]

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