This exciting program from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL) is designed specifically for companies like yours to make New Jersey's workforce more competitive. A customized grant funds training for your employees so they can become more valuable and more productive members of your team. Rutgers will assist you in determining your eligibility and then guide you through the DOL's application process. Once your grant is approved by the DOL, Rutgers will work with you to develop a convenient training schedule for your staff.
Training increases an organization's capacity by introducing new and enhancing existing work skills, thereby increasing the quality of work output
Well trained employees are more productive, have higher morale and are more loyal
Offering training attracts new employees and helps to retain staff. Avoiding turnover is vital considering that the cost of replacing lost talent is 70 to 200 percent of the employee's annual salary
Training employees is good for them and good for the company. Of Fortune Magazine's top 100 companies to work for in 2007 nationwide, the top 15 devoted an average of 80.1 hours of training per year to each employee and had a voluntary turnover rate of only 9.9% -- well below the national average of 23% (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006)
Developing the skills and knowledge of your workforce is one of the keys to business growth and success
Training through this grant program is customized to complement the learning needs of employees and the goals & objectives of the employer
The Rutgers NJAES Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE) has a system in place to facilitate this process for you. We work with you to assess your company's training needs and develop a program tailored for your staff
With over a 100 years of providing continuing professional education and over a decade of experience developing these customized training programs for DOL grantees, Rutgers OCPE is a trusted resource for workforce training solutions
Rutgers actively recruits the best educators available and administers an ongoing evaluation process to identify and maintain the most effective instructors
The Department of Labor will fund a variety of training activities. OCPE will facilitate your grant and provide instructional resources. Training is available in over 200 course titles in the areas of Management & Leadership competencies, Computer skills, Languages, Food Safety and certain technical areas. Instructors can provide on-site training for a wide variety of job titles including clerical, customer service, production, food service, health care, financial management, administrative support -- and many others.
Answer: Rutgers OCPE will facilitate a pre-qualification for any New Jersey employer with more than 100 staff members paying payroll taxes. Employers that are planning to relocate outside New Jersey within 3 years are not eligible.
2. How do we begin the process to receive a grant?
Answer: Call Rutgers OCPE at 732-932-9271 and tell us you are interested in DOL training. We will begin the pre-qualifying application with you over the phone.
3. What courses can be taught?
Answer: There are over 200 eligible courses listed on the DOL website that can be tailored to suit your company's specific needs. Call Rutgers OCPE to learn more: 732-932-9271.
4. What other information will we need to submit?
Answer: After the pre-qualification application is approved, we will need a list of employees to be trained, average salary, type of training needed, brief history of the company, and the past 3 years' financial reports.
5. Are all of our employees eligible for training?
Answer: The training grant targets front-line and mid-level staff. CEOs, corporate presidents and upper-level managers are typically not covered.
6. How long does it take to receive funding approval?
Answer: Basic training literacy grants are normally approved within a couple months. Customized grants typically require more review time. Our initial meeting covers what type of grant would be best for your company.
7. What is the process and how is payment handled?
Answer: Once your application is approved, the DOL places the funds in an account. You have one full year to complete the training and invoice the State for reimbursement. The State has an electronic billing system to be used by one company-designated contact. Rutgers will assist you in this billing process.
8. Is there anything else that I have to do?
Answer: Your company is required to assign a person to schedule the classes. Trainees must be paid while they are attending grant classes. The training can be scheduled at times that will not interfere with company operations.
9. Is my company eligible for additional training grants?
Answer: Once training is completed and a close-out report is finalized, your company may apply for another grant.
10. How can I get more information?
Answer: More information can be obtained by calling Rutgers OCPE at 732-932-9271 or on the DOL website.
This list represents a selection of some of the course offerings available for your staff through this DOL grant program. Additional courses are available upon request. Course outlines are available for review. Call Rutgers OCPE at 732-932-9271 for further information.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is a comprehensive program of sanitary and hygienic practices that helps ensure the safety of food during every step of the manufacturing or service process. This 1-day class introduces staff to current GMP regulations and guidelines as well as focusing on the importance of controlling sanitation and environment/worker hygiene. Click here to read a more detailed description of Good Manufacturing Practices.
Better Process Control School
This course is designed specifically for supervisors, line workers involved with retort operations, aseptic processing/packaging system operators and container closure inspectors for low-acid and acidified canned foods. Taught by experts from Rutgers University, the National Food Processors Association, and food industry experts, this 4-day course satisfies the requirements of food processors specified in both the FDA and USDA regulations. Click here to read a more detailed description of Better Process Control School.
HACCP: A Basic Concept of Food Protection
HACCP provides a systematic approach for identifying and monitoring possible sources of microbiological, chemical and physical contamination through the food production process. Implementing an effective HACCP program reduces costs associated with foodborne illnesses; gives you the ability to proactively address potential food safety problems; provides continuous monitoring of food safety in real time instead of relying on spot checks; protects your customers' health and your company's reputation. This 3-day course meets the educational requirements cited in both the FDA regulation requiring HACCP for seafood and the USDA rule on Pathogen Reduction and HACCP. Click here to a read a more detailed description of the HACCP course.
Interested in this topic area? Visit our Food Safety page to view more training opportunities!
Please contact Rutgers OCPE to begin processing the pre-qualification application. Members of our staff have been designated to assist you during the entire New Jersey DOL Workforce Development grant process. If you need help or have a question during any step of your grant, our experienced team is here to support you. Contact: