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As New Jersey enters October, communities across the state are marking National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) with events, new workforce initiatives, and important updates affecting workers, employers, and families. The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB) and its partners are helping lead the way with programming designed to expand opportunity, strengthen inclusion, and connect residents to meaningful employment.
Spotlight on Disability Employment Awareness Month
Two events kick off the month’s focus on inclusive hiring and workplace accessibility:
- Abilities & Experience Career Fair
Thursday, Oct. 1 • 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Middlesex College, Edison
Jobseekers — including individuals with disabilities — will have the chance to meet employers, training providers, and support organizations offering career pathways and services. - Creating an Inclusive Workplace: Virtual Employer Workshop
Monday, Oct. 5 • 12 p.m.
This session guides employers on building accessible, supportive environments for workers with disabilities.
GRWDB will continue hosting events throughout the fall, including its Quarterly Recruitment Event focused on Government Jobs on Oct. 29 in Flemington. Residents are encouraged to bookmark the GRWDB calendar for ongoing updates.
New Workforce Pell Grants Now Available
Beginning this week, New Jersey workers, employers, and training providers can explore Workforce Pell, a new federal program extending Pell Grants to short-term, career-focused training.
Created by Congress in July 2025, Workforce Pell aims to make rapid, skills-based training more affordable. Only three programs qualified during the initial rollout due to tight implementation timelines, but state officials expect many more providers to be approved next year.
In related news, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded $65 million in Strengthening Community College Training Grants to institutions in seven states — including Colorado, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas — to help colleges develop short-term programs eligible for Workforce Pell funding.
Job Opportunity: Office of New Americans
The NJ Department of Human Services’ Office of New Americans is hiring a Programs Specialist to support statewide initiatives serving New American communities. The role includes grantee oversight, program reporting, and coordination with service providers. The position is open to the public.
PACE Grant Program Opens for FY27
The NJDOL Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning announced $3 million in funding through the Pre‑Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) program.
- Technical assistance workshop: Oct. 1
- Applications due: Oct. 30
PACE programs prepare residents for Registered Apprenticeships, direct employment, or continued education.
Hiring Events & Labor Market Notes
- Wakefern Food Corp. — including ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, and Fairway Market — will host walk‑in hiring fairs on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- New Jersey Employment Update:
The state lost 1,700 nonfarm jobs in August, while the unemployment rate dipped to 4.3%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. - NJ AI Hub Partnership:
On Sept. 23, the NJ AI Hub announced a collaboration with Verizon to expand access to responsible AI training and workforce opportunities statewide. - Childcare & Workforce:
The New Jersey Business Council for Childcare officially launched this week, bringing together employers and business organizations to highlight childcare as a critical workforce issue. - Corporate Layoffs:
Bristol Myers Squibb announced plans to lay off 265 employees between Dec. 17 and May 21, 2027. Johnson & Johnson will eliminate 87 positions at its New Brunswick site.
Community Event: Blindness Awareness Month
The Blindness Awareness Month 2026 Community Outreach Fair will take place:
Thursday, Oct. 8 • 1–3:30 p.m.
Cheesequake State Park, Hooks Creek Lake Pavilion, 300 Gordon Road, Matawan
The event will feature resources, education, and support for individuals with visual impairments and their families.
Contact:
Paul Grzella | Director
The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board
Serving Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, NJ
27 Warren Street, 3rd floor
Somerville, NJ 08876
Text “onestop” to 908-460-8144 for weekly workforce-related alerts
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