Bridging the Digital Divide: NJIT, Essex County & JobWorks Launch New State-Funded Training Initiative

At a moment when digital skills are increasingly non-optional in the workforce, the partnership between the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Essex County, and JobWorks, Inc. takes a bold, action-oriented step to ensure underserved residents are not left behind. Supported by a $1 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), the “Building Digital Bridges” initiative aims to break down access barriers and deliver high-impact training at scale. Read the full article here

A Smart Pathway to Digital Readiness

Many adult learners feel overwhelmed at the idea of reentering training — especially if they lack access to technology or haven’t previously worked in digital-forward roles. The Building Digital Bridges program confronts this challenge directly through a structured 10 to 12-week curriculum, certification prep for CompTIA Tech+, an AI literacy micro-credential, and career coaching.

JobWorks serves as the operational training provider, delivering the coursework, supporting learners day-to-day, and ensuring that participants receive high-quality instruction tailored to real workforce demands. With JobWorks’ extensive background in upskilling and workforce development, the program pairs NJIT’s academic leadership with hands-on, outcomes-driven training delivery.

Participants also receive practical supports — internet access, transportation reimbursement, and a laptop upon completion — to ensure that logistical barriers do not get in the way of progress.

Why This Matters

Digital proficiency is increasingly a prerequisite across industries, from healthcare to logistics to customer service. By offering a training pathway that starts with foundational digital literacy and extends into industry-recognized credentials and AI competencies, NJIT, Essex County, and JobWorks are helping residents move from entry-level readiness to true workforce competitiveness.

This model doesn’t just teach skills; it expands economic mobility by connecting participants to technology-aligned roles with upward wage potential.

Local Focus, Broader Impact

The initiative focuses on learners from Essex, Hunterdon, and Somerset counties who qualify for programs such as WorkFirst New Jersey. The intentional focus on equity means more residents can participate in the digital economy — and local employers gain access to a stronger, more diverse talent pipeline.

JobWorks’ involvement also brings a national lens to the effort. With decades of experience providing workforce training across the country, JobWorks helps ensure that the program’s structure aligns with employer expectations and reflects best practices from established workforce initiatives.

What’s Next

With NJIT as the lead institution, Essex County providing regional workforce alignment, and JobWorks delivering operational training, the partnership offers a scalable blueprint for bridging the digital divide. As programs like this continue to expand, residents gain the confidence and credentials needed for in-demand digital roles — and communities benefit from a more resilient, tech-ready workforce.