This bill establishes the Statewide Skills Academy Network, aimed at enhancing collaboration among county colleges, vocational schools, and union training providers to address the skills needs of New Jersey's workforce. The Secretary of Higher Education, in consultation with the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, will oversee the network, which will consist of regional skills academies. The network's objectives include sharing best practices in skills development, improving access to training opportunities, identifying gaps in industry-recognized credentials, and assisting in the creation of a statewide credentialing system.

To participate in the network, county colleges, vocational schools, or union training providers must apply to the Secretary of Higher Education, who will establish selection criteria and grant awards for the skills academies. Priority will be given to those offering training during evenings and weekends. Grants will fund the development and maintenance of training sites, focusing on short-term, stackable credential programs in high-demand sectors. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to support these initiatives and mandates the Secretary to seek additional funding from federal, state, and private sources.