NJIT, Hudson County Community College and Bricklayers Union Sign Letter of Intent to Develop Apprenticeship-to-Degree Pathway
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Hudson County Community College and the New Jersey Administrative District Council of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers signed a Letter of Intent on April 23 to develop a new academic and workforce development partnership designed to connect apprenticeship training with a four-year degree pathway.
The Letter of Intent outlines the partners’ goal to create an “Apprenticeship-to-Degree” pathway through which apprentice members of the BAC ADC of NJ could transition their technical training and earned associate’s degree credits from Hudson County Community College into NJIT’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Engineering Technology or Construction Management programs.
The partnership is intended to create a clear academic roadmap for craftworkers seeking to build on their training through higher education, while aligning field experience with advanced engineering technology study. The organizations also said the effort is aimed at strengthening New Jersey’s infrastructure workforce by expanding educational access and supporting professional advancement in the skilled trades.
This partnership is rooted in NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities, a statewide initiative led by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development to better align education and workforce training in high-demand industries. Through that effort, HCCC and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers worked to evaluate the related technical instruction within the BAC apprenticeship program and apply it for college credit toward HCCC’s Construction Management degree, creating a clearer path from apprenticeship to associate- and bachelor’s-level study.
This “earn-and-learn pathway” recognizes the rigor of apprenticeship training while expanding access to academic credentials and career advancement. NJIT’s involvement further strengthens this pathway by connecting graduates to advanced educational opportunities, illustrating how NJ Pathways fosters coordinated, cross-sector partnerships that benefit both workers and industry.
The Bricklayers Union is the first to establish this framework with NJIT, aiming to create broader opportunities across the construction sector.
"This partnership represents NJIT’s unwavering commitment to recognizing experiential learning and creating accessible higher education pathways for working professionals," said Teik Lim, president of NJIT. "By integrating the technical expertise of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers with our advanced engineering technology curriculum, we are not just awarding degrees; we are empowering the workforce of tomorrow. We are proud to join Hudson County Community College and the Bricklayers Union in fulfilling a vision that bridges the gap between hands-on mastery and academic excellence."
“We are proud to partner with NJIT and the New Jersey District Council of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers in this endeavor,” said Hudson County Community College President Christopher Reber. “This is a transformational opportunity for present and potential craftworkers to earn while they learn, enhance their skills and advance their careers. This partnership will also benefit Hudson County, where there is abundant new development happening every day.”
“Today marks a major milestone for our members and our industry,” said John Capo, director of the New Jersey Administrative District Council of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. “The rigorous training our apprentices complete deserves recognition as true college-level learning. This partnership creates a clear pathway from apprenticeship to an associate degree and ultimately a bachelor’s degree, allowing our members to advance without stepping away from their careers. By combining hands-on experience with higher education, we are not only expanding opportunities for our craftworkers, but also helping to build a stronger, more skilled workforce for New Jersey’s future.”
HCCC President Christopher Reber, NJIT President Teik Lim, and BACNJ Director John Capo
The signing ceremony was held in NJIT’s Eberhardt Hall, a historic brick building on campus that was originally constructed in 1857 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The setting offered a fitting backdrop for an announcement centered on the future of workforce development and advancement in the construction trades.
By signing the Letter of Intent, the three organizations agreed to work in good faith to finalize the articulation agreements and administrative processes needed to launch the pathway. The LOI states that the goal is to make the transition from apprenticeship and job-site experience into college study efficient, supported and rewarding.
About New Jersey Institute of Technology
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is the greatest producer of technological talent and knowledge in New Jersey and is a nexus of innovation — a physical and intellectual focal point for innovative ideas, actions and people. The Wall Street Journal ranks NJIT No. 1 in New Jersey among public universities for both alumni salaries (No. 25 among all universities nationally) and value (No. 42 overall nationally). NJIT also is ranked No. 27 in the U.S. by The Princeton Review as a Best Value College, in addition to being rated among the top 40 public national universities and top 80 overall by U.S. News & World Report.
About Hudson County Community College
Hudson County Community College serves more than 24,000 credit and non-credit students annually and offers more than 90 degree and certificate programs, including strong programs in STEM, culinary arts, nursing and health professions, humanities and social sciences, and award-winning English as a Second Language. Through its School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, HCCC also provides industry-recognized credentials aligned with workforce needs. The college supports seamless transfer through partnerships with four-year institutions across New Jersey, New York and beyond. Nationally recognized for student success, innovation and workplace culture, HCCC has earned honors from AACC, HACU, NISOD, Achieving the Dream, Bellwether, ACCT and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Its equity-focused initiatives, including the nationally recognized Hudson Scholars program, have drawn particular attention for advancing student achievement and opportunity.
About the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union of New Jersey
The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union of New Jersey (BACNJ) represents craftworkers in the trowel trades across the state, supporting the construction of vital infrastructure. With roots dating back to 1865, BACNJ is committed to advancing workers’ rights, delivering top-tier training and apprenticeship programs, and ensuring strong wages, benefits, and safe working conditions for its members. To learn more, visit: bacnj.com