There's a massive shortage of workers in N.J. These groups have a plan to fix it

There are employers across the state with 40,000 job openings and no qualified applicants to hire. In a program that's a first in New Jersey, there's a plan to provide employers with job-seekers.

"We need to change the way we provide education ...," said state Senate President Stephen Sweeney at the introduction of the Rowan Work & Learn Consortium Tuesday at the Rowan College at Gloucester County campus in Deptford Township.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has identified seven business areas in the state where employees are in high demand.

Business partners from each of those areas will serve to provide the consortium guidance on the certifications and training needed by students in each of the work areas.

Participating industry partners include Paulsboro Refining Company, representing the advanced manufacturing industry; South Jersey Federal Credit Union, representing the financial services industry; Owens and Minor, representing transportation, logistics and distribution; Rowan Medicine, representing the healthcare industry; Wedgewood Pharmacy, representing the biopharmaceutical life sciences industry; the Marriott Glassboro, representing the hospitality, retail and tourism industry; and, Greyhawk, representing the construction management industry.