New Jersey Statutes Title 18A. Education 18A § 54-43

a. A county college and a county vocational school district shall enter into a Work and Learn Consortium for the purpose of creating certificate and degree programs that lead to employment in industries in which there is a high demand for qualified employees. The consortium shall work in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the local workforce investment board to address the highest areas of labor demand in New Jersey as identified by the department.

b. The purpose of the programs developed by a consortium shall be to: foster collaboration between academic and non-academic entities; provide students with an opportunity to earn stackable credentials that will increase the likelihood of employment in industries of high demand and future growth in the State; develop a guided pathway for students to earn those credentials; and allow enrolled students to choose among multiple program stop-out points.