New Jersey’s transportation, logistics, and distribution (TLD) sector is an important part of the state’s economy, employing more than 280,000 workers. These days, the industry’s leaders are taking decisive steps to move past the current economic slowdown and address the long-term skill needs of the workforce. For example, more than 100 companies, government officials, and educators from around the state met at Kean University on November 24 to launch an ongoing TLD Talent Network to address the industry’s long-term workforce needs.

The program, led by the Heldrich Center, was sponsored by the North Jersey Partners WIRED region – a consortium of public- and private-sector groups working to create a new talent pipeline to service the region’s ports, airports, rail lines, trucking, warehousing, and distribution supply chains. Support is also provided by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and its Innovation Partnership Institute. Members of the TLD Talent Network will share information and ideas for educating the public about the sector’s workforce needs, and developing industry-specific curriculum for use in New Jersey’s education and training system.

All non-profit educational and workforce development organizations in New Jersey are invited to join the TLD Talent Network. Anyone interested can contact either Aaron Fichtner or Allison Kopicki for more details. Proceedings from the November 24 event will be posted here on the Heldrich website during December.