New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission (SETC)

About the NJ State Employment and Training Commission

The New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission (SETC) acts as the State Workforce Development Board for New Jersey. Established by legislative mandate, the SETC is responsible for creating a coherent and integrated system of employment and training programs. Its primary mission is to improve the skills of the state’s workforce to meet the demands of a global economy. The Commission works in concert with the private sector, organized labor, and government agencies to provide policy guidance and oversight for the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Headquartered at the Department of Labor and Workforce Development building in Trenton, the SETC serves as the principal advisor to the Governor regarding workforce readiness and talent development. 📉

Key Functions and Initiatives

The SETC does not provide direct unemployment benefits or job placement services to individuals; rather, it sets the strategic direction for such services. Its key roles include:

• Policy Development: Establishing the framework for the state’s workforce investment system and ensuring alignment with federal regulations.
• Evaluation: assessing the performance of local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) and state-funded training programs.
• Apprenticeship: Promoting and expanding apprenticeship opportunities across various industries through the Apprenticeship Committee.
• Gender Parity: The Council on Gender Parity in Labor and Education operates under the SETC to address systemic barriers and promote equity in the workforce.

Location and Security

The SETC is located within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development complex at John Fitch Plaza. As a state government facility, strict security measures are in place.

• Access: Visitors must enter through the main lobby security checkpoint.
• Screening: All guests are subject to screening, including metal detectors and bag checks.
• Identification: A valid government-issued photo ID is required to obtain a visitor’s pass.
• Prohibited Items: Weapons, sharp objects, and pepper spray are strictly forbidden on the premises.

Transportation and Parking

The John Fitch Plaza complex is centrally located in Trenton’s government district, offering convenient access options.

• Public Transit: The building is a short distance from the Trenton Transit Center, served by NJ Transit, SEPTA, and Amtrak. Several bus routes stop nearby on South Broad Street and Market Street.
• Parking: Visitor parking is limited. There is a small visitor lot at the Labor Building (often full), so visitors frequently use nearby commercial garages or metered street parking.