a. To maintain a competitive edge in the 21st century, New Jersey must develop a highly productive workforce that has the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by employers in the State‘s key industries;

b. Workforce development and education programs that are directly aligned with the needs of employers will ensure that more New Jersey residents have pathways to economic opportunity and successful careers, and that employers receive the talent required to drive the growth of their businesses;

c. To cultivate such employer-driven partnerships, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development has supported the development of talent networks since 2011;

d. The department currently funds nine talent networks of employers, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations in industries including advanced manufacturing; construction & utilities; financial services; food industry; health care; life sciences; technology; transportation, logistics, and distribution; and retail, hospitality, and tourism; and

e. The establishment of a Talent Network Program will create a permanent plan within the department to strengthen and enhance these and future partnerships in meeting the workforce needs of the State.

L.2019, c.125, s.1.