Bergen Community College: Apprentices 'Learn And Earn' Through Federal Grant

Press release from Bergen Community College:

February 13, 2024

New Jersey Healthworks Scaling Apprenticeship Program Director Andrea Nemeth spoke at a November gathering of partnership collaborators.

“The apprenticeship model of ‘learning while earning’ represents a win across the board,” Bergen President Eric M. Friedman, Ph.D., said. “With employment shortages in key healthcare fields and New Jersey residents seeking good-paying, family-sustaining careers, apprenticeships fill gaps throughout the state. I am proud of Bergen’s work as the lead agency and grateful for the partners who have collaborated to make these achievements possible.”

The New Jersey Healthworks Scaling Apprenticeship Program offers enrollees the opportunity to prepare for careers in one of 15 jobs such as certified nursing assistant, massage therapist and pharmacy technician. Some apprentices can earn an industry credential and enter the workforce in as few as five months. While enrolled, apprenticeships have access to success coaches, employer resources and peer support programs.

Program partners include 14 community colleges and healthcare leaders such as Hackensack Meridian Health, CareOne, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and Jewish Home Family. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development provided $500,000 toward the program’s operation as well.

With the grant now up for renewal by the federal government, Project Director Andrea Nemeth said at a recent convening of grant partners that she hopes the collaboration can continue.

Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 13,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.

This press release was produced by Bergen Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.