In a concerted effort to diversify New Jersey’s construction workforce, the Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey (ABC-NJ) is introducing targeted apprenticeship programs aimed at increasing equity and access for tradespeople across the state.
New Jersey, recognized for its rich diversity—nearly 45% of its 9.2 million residents identify as people of color—has seen a stark contradiction in its construction workforce. The racial makeup of construction crews does not reflect the demographics of the state, prompting calls for change from industry leaders.
“New Jersey’s construction industry should reflect the general diversity of the state and welcome anyone who is qualified and wants to have a career in construction,” says Samantha DeAlmeida Roman, ABC-NJ president. John E. Harmon Sr., president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) and an ABC-NJ partner, further emphasizes the importance of equity in this sector. “This is taxpayer money. By making the state more competitive and the workforce more professional, we can lift all boats,” he states.
A significant challenge to diversifying the workforce lies in the existing Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), which mandate that union labor constitutes upwards of 88% of a project’s workforce. Notably, 98% of Black construction workers are not signatories to a union, essentially barring them from many job opportunities. The current threshold for PLA bids is set at $5 million in New Jersey—much lower than the federal threshold of $35 million—thus limiting the bidding opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
“These rules amount to a bias for white union labor baked into statewide regulations,” Harmon asserts. He highlights the disparities faced by the Black population in New Jersey, which experiences the highest rates of poverty and unemployment in the state. “These politics only add insult to injury,” he adds.
ABC-NJ’s initiative includes a registered United States Department of Labor apprenticeship program open to recent graduates, veterans, and anyone interested in pursuing a career in skilled trades. Participants will gain hands-on experience and upon completion will be eligible to become federally recognized journey workers.
To further promote inclusivity, ABC-NJ plans to roll out summer camps for middle school students and free outreach programs in diverse communities. “Through education and training, we hope to remove barriers people might face as they pursue a long, prosperous career in the construction industry,” Roman explains.
Harmon emphasizes the benefits of investing in diversity, saying, “The data is clear—you get a better return on investment when you participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion in an intentional way. Why wouldn’t the state want men and women more properly trained to do professional work?”
As these initiatives take shape, advocates hope that New Jersey’s construction industry will reflect the rich diversity of its communities, paving the way for equitable access to careers that have historically been out of reach for many.
