Workforce Development & Continuing Education

Welcome

The Department provides professional development and industry credential attainment opportunities for individuals who live or work in Union County and beyond.  Senior Scholar program offerings are available for residents of Union County ages 60+ through the Union County Board of County Commissioners Senior Scholars program.

Committed to the concept of lifelong learning, the Department conveniently schedules non-credit courses in the evenings, weekends, and daytime hours. Programs are offered in-person, hybrid and remote live formats and are held at multiple campuses. In addition, courses are offered on-line through our partnership with Ed2Go at www.ed2go.com/ucc/, UGotClass http://www.yougotclass.org/index.cfm/Ucc and Cannabis training program through Green Flower at https://union.cannabisstudiesonline.com.

Currently, among the Continuing Education Department offerings are non-credit certificate programs in Real Estate Sales, Google Certificates in IT Support, Data Analytics and Project Management, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, NJ Uniform Construction Code, and Medical Coding Specialist. Industry-recognized certificate programs are also available for Certified Bookkeeper, CISCO Certified Networking Associate (CCNA), Guest Service Gold Certification (AHLEI), Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, Personal Trainer National Certification, Patient Care Technician, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Certified EKG Technician, CompTIA A+ Core 1 - Hardware and Core 2 - Software and Network + Certification, Facility Management Professional, and Supply Chain Management (CSCMP) Certification.

Continuing Education also operates as a Cisco Networking Academy in Plainfield. We provide extensive preparation for the CISCO Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) designation.

For further information, email, or call the Continuing Education Department at Union College at coned@ucc.edu or (908) 709-7600.

Industry-Business Institute

The Industry-Business Institute (IBI) at UCNJ works with employer clients to help build a skilled workforce by providing workplace-specific, customized education and training programs for employees.

Working side-by-side with clients, we develop training solutions delivered by expert instructors, with high-quality materials and flexible scheduling. Programs are designed for maximum effectiveness and to help organizations improve productivity, quality, cost-effectiveness, and increase employee morale. Training is delivered on-site, on-campus or remote live, and scheduled at times that are convenient for your organization. Training is available on a fee-for-service basis and through local and state grant opportunities. IBI provides many types of workforce development programs due to our wide network of industry professionals and instructors. Topics include, but not are limited to:

• Leadership Skills
• Customer Service
• Computer Skills- MS Office and Google Apps
• Management, Team Building, Problem Solving and Supervisory Skills
• Communication and Personal Effectiveness Skills
• Workplace Literacy/Basic Skills
• Safety Procedures
• Supply Chain Management/Transportation, Logistics, and Distribution
• Time Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Cultural Diversity, Emotional Intelligence and Harassment Prevention Awareness
• English as a Second Language
  and more…

For more information, please contact Union College, Industry-Business Institute, 40 West Jersey Street, 5th Floor, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, (908) 965-5116.  

Center for Economic and Workforce Development

The Center for Economic and Workforce Development (CEWD) is dedicated to empowering the unemployed and underemployed by providing essential training and support services. Our mission is to enhance their readiness for today’s competitive workforce and cultivate lifelong learning skills.

With an extensive array of programs and courses, we serve over 1,000 adults annually. Our model comprises standardized assessments, robust student support services, occupation-related basic skills instruction, specialized occupational training, and comprehensive job placement services.

Aligned with Union College’s commitment to inclusive education, CEWD offers flexible instruction schedules. Whether during evenings or daytime hours, adults can choose a timetable that suits their convenience and lifestyles.

CEWD services extend to both the Elizabeth and Plainfield campuses, which are equipped with cutting-edge computer labs. These campuses operate as full-service hubs, ensuring that all CEWD students receive top-notch support in their educational journey.

CEWD is proud to offer a diverse range of programs aimed at empowering individuals and enhancing their employability. Here’s an overview of some of our key initiatives:

1. WIOA Title II Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) PLUS GRANT:

• This WIOA Title II program focuses on career pathway ESL, Integrated ESL and Civics Education, Adult Basic Skills development, and High School Diploma (HSD) preparation for eligible residents.
• Funded through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

2. WorkFirst New Jersey “To-Work” / Community Work Experience Program:

• Designed to provide eligible WFNJ participants with the skills needed to secure and sustain employment.
• Participants engage in hands-on experience at non-profit/community-based organizations to refine their employability skills.
• To-Work activities are combined with Basic Skills, GED, or ESL classes.

3. English-as-a-Second Language (ESL):

• Tailored for individuals looking to enhance their English proficiency for the Institute for Intensive English (IIE) (college level credit ESL program).
• Two beginning levels of ESL guide students from basic to levels 3 to 6 of the IIE.

4. Occupational Training Programs:

• Comprehensive occupational training leading to industry credentials in high-demand occupations.
• Programs include:
  • Accounting Technician with certifications in
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Certified Medical Assistant
  • Essentials of Supply Chain Management

At CEWD, we are committed to equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in today’s dynamic workforce.

Our programs are available to certified eligible participants from the American Job Center, including WIOA, TRA, DVRS, and WDP participants. Additionally, individuals who wish to self-pay can also enroll. Participants in these programs can earn industry-valued credentials, enhancing their qualifications for the workforce.

For further details about the Center for Economic and Workforce Development programs, feel free to contact us at 908-659-5114 or reach out via email at CEWD-Recruiting@ucc.edu . We welcome any inquiries and look forward to assisting you on your educational and career journey.

In conjunction with an experienced administrative and support staff, as well as our qualified instructors, the Center is strengthened by an active Job Development team. This dedicated team collaborates closely with local employers to identify qualified candidates, facilitating our students in their pursuit of employment opportunities with these employers.

As a proud partner of the Union County American Job Center’s One Stop Career Center, the Center actively engages in supporting the county’s Department of Human Services. Our initiatives are specifically designed to enhance the productivity and employability of participants from these agencies and Union County residents at large.

Additionally, the College, through the Center for Economic and Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and Industry-Business Institute departments, supports the implementation of the Workforce Innovation Business Center initiative, an American Job Center Affiliate Career Services Center, through the Union County Workforce Development Board.