Camden County students can gain high-tech skills using a range of equipment in a new space for Manufacturing and Engineering Technology students.
Recognizing that New Jersey’s county vocational-technical school districts did not have the physical capacity to meet the strong demand for career and technical education, the New Jersey Legislature introduced, and the voters approved, the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act, which provided $275 million in funding for the districts to expand their capacity.
In response to the act, districts across the state planned new construction, expansion and renovation projects to begin or grow career programs that prepare students for high-demand, well-paying careers, whether students enter the workforce directly from high school or after post-secondary education.
Although there is a workforce shortage in industry and regional economies in many careers, the manufacturing industry demand is one of the most pressing. Thousands of openings exist and many employees are reaching retirement age, increasing employment concerns. The need is becoming overwhelming, especially as the industry continues to grow and evolve. In fact, President Biden noted at the end of his term that over two years since Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act, both private and public investments have totaled more than a trillion dollars in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Six districts used Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act grant funding to start or expand manufacturing programs. These programs are a key part of the solution to prepare a new generation to enter the manufacturing industry. They prepare students for multiple career pathways within the industry and often include partnerships and credit opportunities with county colleges.
Below are descriptions of each of the manufacturing programs funded through the Bond Act and the number of additional students who will acquire the skills needed to enter the manufacturing industry.
Manufacturing Programs Funded by the Bond Act
Camden County Technical Schools built an addition to house a new Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET) program, which focuses on the design and operation of integrated systems for the production of high-quality, economically competitive products. These systems may include computer networks, robots, machine tools, and materials-handling equipment. The MET building expansion features a Career Lab, Design Theory Lab, three career and technical education (CTE) Related Theory/Instructional rooms, a Simulation Lab, a Physical Science Lab, as well as a large group instruction area. Graduates of MET will have the option to pursue multiple pathways – entering directly into the workforce, pursuing apprenticeship opportunities, and/or continuing in a post-secondary tract to earn an engineering degree or a degree in a related field. (80 additional students when fully enrolled)
Gloucester County Institute of Technology opened a state-of-the art Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Applied Science in a brand-new, highly customized building on the campus of Rowan College of South Jersey. An array of technology is incorporated into this Academy, which teaches students innovation, automation, robotics, 3D modeling and printing, new manufacturing technologies and more. Students in the program can earn both college credits and industry credentials. (100 additional students when fully enrolled)
Gloucester County Institute of Technology opened a state-of-the art Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Applied Science in a brand-new, highly customized building on the campus of Rowan College of South Jersey.
Hunterdon County Vocational School District is opening a new building that will house a new Advanced Manufacturing & Aeronautical Sciences program. Students will gain experience in applied, real-time manufacturing situations and become adept at problem-solving and working in a team environment. They will learn how to safely machine parts utilizing and programming CNC Mills and CNC Lathes. Additionally, students will gain experience in reading blueprints and solid modeling. The program is designed for a smooth transition into a post-secondary certificate and/or degree program. (100 additional students when fully enrolled)
Morris County Vocational School District will open the new Morris County Career Training Center on the campus of the County College of Morris. The building will house a new Robotics for Automated Manufacturing program to prepare students for careers in automated manufacturing. The curriculum includes basic electronics and hydraulics concepts as well as robotics and mechatronics. Students will earn Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) credentials. The program also includes college credits through the County College of Morris. (40 additional students when fully enrolled)
Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools (SCVTS) will open a new building with classrooms and learning labs that will provide space for expanding their Mechatronics, Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing (MEAM) program. Students in the program have the opportunity to learn machining, lathe operation, CAD, and more. The program is a collaboration between SCVTS and Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC), allowing students to learn both at the SCVTS Robotics and Engineering Lab and RVCC Advanced Manufacturing Lab. The collaboration also provides students with the opportunity to earn 12 industry-valued credentials and 23 college credits. (40 additional students when fully enrolled)
Sussex County Technical School (SCTS) will expand to create additional classrooms and increase capacity for the Mechatronics/Robotics and Engineering programs. Robotics and Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary engineering field that combines systems design, computer, electronic, mechanical, and control engineering. Students gain hands-on experience working with pneumatics, hydraulics, electricity, and manufacturing of mechanical parts and machines. The coursework also includes the design of robotic and intelligent equipment, development of products, and building prototypes. (20 additional students when fully enrolled).
This article by NJCCVTS Executive Director Jackie Burke appeared on Jan. 27, 2025 in New Jersey Business Magazine.
