NJ A1329

Codifies the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative, operated by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, to provide career pathways for students, workers, and job seekers.

Authorizes creation of Centers of Workforce Innovation offering career pathways in 11 designated fields including patient care, healthcare technology, manufacturing, supply chain logistics, data science, cybersecurity, software development, renewable energy, and construction.

Requires Centers of Workforce Innovation to develop publicly available curriculum for each career pathway and provide instruction and skills training for employment in those fields.

Directs the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education and Secretary of Higher Education, to promote implementation of the initiative.

Mandates Centers promote Community College Opportunity Grants, expand apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities, and collaborate with industry leaders and educational partners statewide.