UCC NJBUILD Shifts Focus on Future at Program Closeout Ceremony
UCC’s Youth Education and Employment Services Department hosted a powerful close-out ceremony for its NJBUILD (New Jersey Builders Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity) program this month, marking a milestone for a cohort of skilled professionals who are now ready to take the next steps into their future career pathways.
The NJBUILD program is a cornerstone of UCC’s workforce development initiatives, providing Newark and Essex County residents with more than just technical certifications. NJBUILD is a specialized workforce development program designed to dismantle the barriers that historically keep women and minority residents from high-paying careers in the construction trades.
Administered by the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) and led by UCC, the program provides comprehensive, hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications, and serves as a pre-apprenticeship bridge that equips participants with critical skills in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and specialized fields like lead abatement and clean energy.
The curriculum balances rigorous “hard skills” with “soft skills,” such as financial literacy, OSHA safety standards, and career readiness, ensuring that graduates aren’t just job seekers but are competitive candidates for Registered Apprenticeship programs. By focusing on underrepresented populations (ages 18–26), NJBUILD creates a diverse pipeline of talent that reflects the community while providing residents with a sustainable path to economic self-sufficiency.
To recongize and honor the achievements of UCC’s recent cohort, the closeout ceremony this month served as both a celebration of individual achievement and a testament to the collective strength of UCC’s holistic approach to “serving the whole person.”
Anton Reyes, UCC NJBUILD Program Director, noted that the true value of the initiative extends far beyond the classroom or the job site. He reminded the program participants that their technical expertise is only half of the equation for long-term success.
“While the skills gained through the NJBUILD program will help build their careers, the relationships formed along the journey will sustain their continued growth,” said Reyes. “Graduates were encouraged to remain connected, support one another, and carry forward the sense of community developed throughout the program. As they move forward, the NJBUILD family was affirmed as a lasting part of their foundation, supporting them as they rise toward new opportunities and greater heights.”