Rowan College at Burlington County Workforce Development Institute

Women interested in a new career path in energy or construction fields can be eligible for free training provided by a partnership of leading utility companies and the new Rowan College at Burlington County Workforce Development Institute.

Women in Sustainable Employment (WISE) will provide women a weeklong, 40-hour training course in nontraditional employment opportunities available in energy and construction industries. The program is supported by a partnership among the college, Burlington County Workforce Investment Board, PSEG, New Jersey American Water, South Jersey Industries and Atlantic City Electric.

“This is a perfect example of how Rowan College at Burlington County’s Workforce Development Institute can work with employers to provide job seekers the skills that companies need,” said Burlington County Freeholder Director Mary Ann O’Brien. “Anyone interested in a new career should take advantage of this opportunity to learn relevant skills for career-long employment.”

Some of the positions include mechanic, plant operator, dispatcher and meterperson.

“Women in Sustainable Employment provides everything a woman needs to start a long and successful career in the utility field,” said Rowan College at Burlington County President Paul Drayton. “Combine so many outstanding industry partners with the Rowan College at Burlington County Workforce Development Institute, leaves me no doubt that many women will walk out of this program and directly into a new job.”

Susan Schultz, worked her way from a carpenter’s apprentice to a training instructor to the first woman to serve as Council Representative of the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters, whose Sisters in the Brotherhood is supporting the WISE program.

“There is plenty of opportunity for women to advance in the construction field, if they take advantage of training opportunities. Now is the perfect time to start a career in these fields because there are all kinds of opportunities,” Schultz said. “Whether as a carpenter, electrician or with PSEG, there are spots for women. The more skill sets that you have, the more marketable you are and you will have more work opportunities.”

The program will be held at Rowan College at Burlington County from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Oct. 2.

Orientation sessions begin Saturday, Aug. 15. If you are interested in learning more about the Women in Sustainable Employment (WISE) program or to register for an orientation session, please contact Mary Fox of the Rowan College at Burlington County Workforce Development Institute at mfox@co.burlington.nj.us or (609) 702–7006.