What is the SETC?

The State Employment and Training Commission was created by PL1989, Chapter 243. Its primary mission is to improve the skills of New Jersey's workforce by creating a cohesive statewide system of employment, training and education programs and services. The Commission provides the forum where individuals representing government, business, labor, and the general public can work together to create policy initiatives for the workforce readiness system. The Commission works with State and other government agencies to assure the implementation of agreed-upon policies.

The Governor appoints the Chairman of the Commission. SETC members are appointed by the Governor and are confirmed by the Senate. Commission membership consists of representatives from business, labor, private citizens, community-based organizations, elected officials, and the Commissioners of the Departments of Community Affairs, Education, Human Services and Labor and Workforce Development, the CEO of the New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth and Tourism Commission, and the Executive Director of the Commission on Higher Education. These members serve without compensation. The diverse bipartisan membership of the SETC insures that all concerned parties can fully participate in developing public policy.

What does the Commission do?

Among its many activities, the Commission:

• Identifies and analyzes critical issues relating to workforce readiness and provides policy guidance to the Governor and to state professionals in the fields of employment, training and education;
• Supports innovative programs that advance collaboration among governmental agencies; and,
• Reports to the Governor on the progress that has been made and the issues that must be addressed in the area of employment, training and education.