NJMEP and AACCNJ Announce They are Teaming to Support Industry Training Credentials and Pre-Apprentice/Apprenticeship Programs

Cedar Knolls, New Jersey – March 23, 2021 – The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) announces they are teaming with the African American Chamber of Commerce New Jersey (AACCNJ) to deliver accelerated work and learn apprenticeship programs designed to upskill current and future workers for jobs in manufacturing and supply chain industries.

“AACCNJ is pleased to team with NJMEP to help create a pipeline of workers that will have increased marketable skills that will positively impact their future earning potential. In addition, we will serve as a conduit to assist manufacturers in achieving their production goals and thereby maintain a thriving economy,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President &CEO, AACCNJ. It is also important to note that these programs support all types of registered apprenticeship and certification models, including pre-apprenticeships.

NJMEP currently trains 160 underemployed or unemployed individuals from Newark, Paterson, Camden and Trenton who will be provided with online Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) training. These individuals will receive foundational certifications in manufacturing or transportation, logistics and distribution (TLD) – the qualification helps with upskilling and onboarding. NJMEP and AACCNJ are currently accepting additional program participants.

Participants will graduate from the program as either Certified Production Technicians (Content: Safety Awareness, Production & Process, Maintenance Awareness, Quality Assurance) or Certified Logistics Technicians (Content: Global Supply Chain Logistics, Logistics Environment, Material Handling Equipment, Safety Principles, Safe Material Handling & Equipment Operation). The upskilling opportunity is relevant to those looking for entry level jobs, planning to start participating in an apprenticeship program or adding formal training to their education mix – only the resume is needed for the application (via email info@njmep.org).

For the employer, these program participants are ready to apply for entry level positions.

NJMEP also offers apprenticeship programs to all manufacturing and supply chain companies in New Jersey through the Pro-Action Education NetworkTM, which includes registered apprenticeship programs (Industrial Manufacturing Production Technician (IMPT), Technical Sales Representative, IMPT Food, IMPT CNC, and Logistics Technician), Train-the-Mentor, on the job training, and career advancement training; as well as the Food Training programs that have received national support from National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST-MEP).
“As industry adopts new technologies, it is vital to be able to quickly adapt with a well-trained workforce,” said John W. Kennedy, Ph.D., CEO, NJMEP.” “Having the most current standards will drive manufacturing competitiveness and simultaneously grow new talent to these new occupations, upskill current employees, and allow companies to be more agile in their workforce planning.”
“We look forward to helping as many people as possible in accessing these valuable accelerated work and apprenticeship programs; the benefits could prove to be transformational, for their lives.” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ.

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.

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey:
The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders, to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.