Opportunity Overview
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has opened FY2027 Round 1 of the NJBUILD Women and Minorities in Construction Trades Program (WMIC). The program supports pre-apprenticeship and pre-employment training that prepares women and minority New Jersey residents for quality employment and Registered Apprenticeship pathways in the building and construction trades, including clean-energy and lead-abatement occupations.
Funding and Deadlines
NJDOL expects $2,000,000 to be available. Competitive proposals may not exceed $15,000 per participant. The funding model permits up to $11,250 per participant for program development and training costs, with $3,750 per participant tied to documented placement and retention outcomes. The NGO does not state a single-applicant dollar ceiling.
A required Letter of Intent is due October 21, 2026 at 12:00 noon. The complete IGX application is due October 28, 2026 at 12:00 noon. The controlling NGO states these clock times but does not expressly identify a time zone. Technical-assistance workshops are scheduled for September 24 at 10:00 a.m. and October 6 at 1:00 p.m.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible lead applicants include New Jersey employers or employers with a New Jersey presence, workforce intermediaries, employer and trade associations, labor organizations and labor-management partnerships, New Jersey local education agencies, public vocational schools and high schools, two- and four-year institutions of higher education, nonprofits, community-based organizations, Workforce Development Boards, economic-development organizations, state/local/county governments, faith-based organizations and eligible private education or training entities. FY2026 WMIC Round 1 or Round 2 grantees and FY2026 Women and Minority Veterans grantees are not eligible for this round.
Program Requirements
Programs must provide at least 30 hours of workforce-readiness training, 120 hours of occupation-specific training and 15 hours of job shadowing, lead participants to at least one recognized credential, and pursue quality placements starting at $17 per hour or more. Each proposal must document at least one Registered Apprenticeship sponsor committed to providing opportunities or a construction employer committed to hiring successful completers, supported by commitment documentation.
Budget and Allowable Costs
Allowable direct costs include training and recruitment activities, hands-on training materials, participant support services, operating costs, contracted services, facilities costs and equipment rental. The budget structure also permits participant personal protective equipment and contracted instructor costs. Administrative costs may not exceed 10% of the total award, promotional items are capped at $1,000, and participant stipends are capped at $250 per week. The controlling NGO does not identify a mandatory applicant match or cost-share requirement.
Submission Requirements
Applications are submitted through IGX. Required materials include standard assurances, applicant and service-area information, prior-funding disclosures, partner commitment letters, Statement of Need, Training Curriculum and Schedule, Program Narrative and Activity Plan, organizational-capacity materials, organizational chart, sustainability plan, Tax Clearance Certificate, prior-performance narrative when applicable, deliverables and detailed budget schedules.
N9+ / QC Healthcare Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 84/100. This is a substantial statewide education and workforce-development opportunity with clear apprenticeship and career-training outcomes.
N9+ Fit Score: 0/100. Dr. Miltie/QC Healthcare Direct-Vendor Fit: 0/100. The verified program is focused on construction-trades workforce development rather than healthcare delivery, telehealth or remote physical examination. No N9+ role should be forced.
Next Action
Prospective applicants should confirm eligibility and prior-award restrictions, identify the required apprenticeship sponsor or hiring employer, define the training and placement pathway, ensure IGX readiness and New Jersey tax-clearance documentation, attend a technical-assistance session if useful, submit the required Letter of Intent by October 21 at noon, and complete the IGX application by October 28 at noon.