Somerset County Freeholder Deputy Director Mark Caliguire and Hunterdon County Freeholder Suzanne Lagay are pleased to announce that workforce investment activities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties through the Greater Raritan Workforce Investment Board (GRWIB) have exceeded performance measures in delivering employment and training services to residents.

From July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014, GRWIB provided over 3,600 adults and youth with career services.  Career services help improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency and enhance productivity. 

The Greater Raritan Career Services One Stop Center, with oversight provided by GRWIB, invests federal and state workforce-investment funds to increase employment opportunities for individuals, help residents retain employment and increase earnings, and expand occupational skills for participants.  

“ Somerset County is proud to support the work of the Greater Raritan Workforce Investment Board and the Greater Raritan Career Services One Stop Center in meeting the human resource-talent needs of employers,” said Freeholder Mark Caliguire, GRWIB liaison.  

“It is crucial that we continue to focus employment and training resources consistent with the needs of the business community,” he said.  “A skilled workforce is one of our most critical assets and a significant factor in our competiveness.”

“ Hunterdon County is looking forward to enjoying the increased benefits of having a One Stop location in Flemington, which will deliver numerous training, education and employment programs to Hunterdon County citizens in a single, customer-friendly system located in our neighborhood.  We look forward to having a wide range of services available to meet the needs of employers and job seekers located in Hunterdon County ,” said Freeholder Suzanne Lagay, GRWIB.

“Our primary goal is to ensure we create an environment of success for our partners in the two counties,” said Paul C. Grzella, GRWIB chair and general manager/editor of the Courier News/Home News Tribune/MyCentralJersey.com. “This partnership includes the community members we serve who are looking to restart or improve their careers as well as those businesses in the counties looking for a reliable workforce. Over the past several years, we have become more strategic in our thinking and the services we offer consumers and businesses, and are on the cusp of expanding our efforts.”

The Greater Raritan Workforce Investment Board, which was established through federal legislation and the boards of freeholders in Hunterdon and Somerset counties, is responsible for setting workforce-investment policy and overseeing the performance of the Greater Raritan Career Services One Stop operator. The private-sector driven board focuses on insuring that workforce investments are responsive to the needs of employers.

Greater Raritan One Stop Career Training Services programs are offered at no cost to employers and job seekers.  The volunteer board of business, education, labor, economic development and community leaders analyzes local workforce conditions and, accordingly, manages the use of federal funds that target workforce development.  Their partnership with the private and public-sector provides development programs customized to the needs of the Greater Raritan workforce.  Programs assist employers in sustaining their businesses, help employees in bettering their career prospects and assist the unemployed in finding meaningful jobs.

The Greater Raritan One Stop Career Training Services Center provides services in both Hunterdon and Somerset counties.  Adults in job transition, teens and young adults exploring career options, or employers seeking support for recruitment, retention or layoffs can contact the One Stop centers for expert assistance.

For more information on the Greater Raritan Workforce Investment Board and Greater Raritan One Stop Career Training Services, contact GRWIB at (908) 541-5790 or grwib@co.somerset.nj.us, the Greater Raritan One Stop Career Center at (908) 541-5780 or onestop@co.somerset.nj.us, or visit www.grwib.com.