At the forefront

Rowan College at Burlington County and the Laborers’ International Union of North America signed a memorandum of understanding on April 6 at the Folsom Training Center to formally launch their new collaborative educational partnership.

The collaboration creates a direct pathway for union members – who number 25,000 in New Jersey – to recognize the value of their apprenticeship training as they prepare for continued career growth in construction. Under the agreement, eligible members receive up to 26 technical core credits for completing an approved union apprenticeship and training coursework. Students may apply those credits toward an associate’s degree in construction management at Rowan.

By combining hands-on workforce training and academic advancement, the partnership empowers students to strengthen their skill sets, expand career opportunities and increase their value in a competitive labor market. 

“By recognizing the real-world expertise union members bring to the workforce and translating that experience into academic credit, this partnership reflects Rowan College at Burlington County’s commitment to meeting students where they are,” Rowan Acting President Dr. David Spang explained. 

For the three-year duration of the partnership, Rowan and the union will review program outcomes and student success, and respond to evolving industry needs. 

“This partnership between Rowan College of Burlington County and the Laborers’ International Union of North America joins together two great institutions with a shared mission of supporting men and women in advancing their careers,” noted Michael Hellstrom, a union vice president.

“The construction industry is constantly in a state of change as the introduction of new technologies and building methods makes life-long learning not merely a desirable trait, but an indispensable one.” 

Upon acceptance, union members will receive in-county tuition rates, regardless of their county of residence. The pairing with Rowan has the potential to reach an even larger population than those in New Jersey, as the union has about 500,000 members across North America.