NJ S1498

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

Authorizes establishment of Centers of Workforce Innovation offering career pathways in 11 areas 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 necessary for employment in pathway fields.

Mandates promotion of Community College Opportunity Grants and expansion of apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities for students.

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