APRIL 30 PATHWAYS TO THE FUTURE EVENT CELEBRATED 2026 NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board’s Youth Committee hosted Pathways to the Future, a free in-person celebration for National Apprenticeship Week 2026, at the Raritan Valley Community College Conference Center in Branchburg on Thursday, April 30.

This event was open to middle school, high school and college-age youth as well as recent graduates and other job seekers and more than 60 community members were in attendance. Pathways to the Future event was one of hundreds conducted around the country during the last week in April to highlight the ways apprenticeships are being used in a growing variety of occupations to provide needed services and provide lifelong career pathway opportunities.

Businesses and union organizations, school programs, service providers, governmental agencies and other entities took part in the event as exhibitors and used this opportunity to network and talk about their programs with attendees. In addition, a light meal was available, courtesy of ShopRite of Hunterdon.

The event also included a conversation about apprenticeship opportunities moderated by GRWDB Director Paul Grzella. Chris Lee with the U.S. DOL Office of Apprenticeship, discussed the value of apprenticeship as a career-development pathway while Conrad Mercurius, with RVCC’s Workforce Training Center, discussed how the college supports apprenticeship pathways for students. Marie Danielle Vil-Young of A Votre Service Events and Claus Holmgaard, a longtime employee of from Schaible’s Plumbing, Heating and Water Treatment talked about apprenticeships and careers associated with their businesses, reflecting the growing diversity of the apprenticeship model.

Organizations registered to attend as of April 23 include A Votre Service Events LLC | AVS Events and Floral Art Institute, Associated Construction Contractors of NJ (ACCN), Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Hunterdon County Vocational School, Indigo Station LLC, Middle Earth, Qunnections Management Group, LLC, Raritan Valley Community College, Schaible`s Plumbing, United States Air Force, U.S. DOL Office of Apprenticeship, Vanguard Energy Partners and Visions & Pathways.

There was no charge to attend this workforce development event as an exhibitor or as attendee.

For more information about GRWDB partner services and to join the GRWDB Youth Committee, email info@thegrwdb.org. The agendas for Youth Committee meetings are available on the Events – Meeting Packages tab of the GRWDB website.

For more information on apprenticeships, for employers and job seekers, visit apprenticeship.gov.

About the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board
The GRWDB oversees federally and state-funded career and employment services for businesses and residents in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. More information about these programs can be found on thegrwdb.org, including stories on initiatives, a resource tab for job seekers, and an updated calendar of events. Weekly text alerts highlight career and job opportunities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Text “one-stop” to 908-460-8144 to sign up. Email info@thegrwdb.org. or call 908-541-5790.