NRBP Brings Employers and Workforce Partners Together to Strengthen Newark’s Talent Pipeline

NEWARK, N.J. — October 20, 2026 — The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) brought together business leaders, workforce development professionals, educators and community stakeholders for its Eye Opener program, Scaling Newark’s Talent Pipeline, at Essex County College. Sponsored by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the program explored how employers and regional partners can better connect Newark residents to career opportunities while addressing persistent workforce challenges.

The program featured a fireside chat on regional workforce development followed by an employer panel focused on hiring needs, skills gaps and practical pathways to employment. Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr., Department Director of Essex County Citizen Services and Economic Development, moderated the discussion featuring Aisha Glover, Global Head of Urban Innovation at Audible, and Sara Peña, Director, External Affairs, PSEG, alongside business leaders from Reworld, RWJBarnabas Health, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, the Newark Workforce Development Board, and Unionwear.

A central theme emerged throughout the discussion: Greater Newark has both significant employment opportunities and a strong pool of potential talent, but better connections are needed to bring the two together.

Glover discussed Audible’s growth in Newark, home to its global headquarters since 2007, and career opportunities spanning technology, storytelling, media, publishing and film. She highlighted the company’s paid Future Leaders internship for Newark high school students, as well as its competitive technology internships and Business Attraction program, which provides non-dilutive grants to startups establishing leases in Newark. The initiative has helped attract businesses to the Harriet Tubman Square area, with 35 leases signed through the program.

Peña outlined PSEG’s hiring needs across skilled trades, engineering, information technology, accounting and law. With a 120-year presence in Newark, PSEG continues to invest in workforce pathways, including partnerships with Essex County College and vocational schools to align certification programs with contractor needs. Panelists noted that retirements in skilled trades are outpacing the pipeline of new workers, underscoring the importance of training that prepares candidates for long-term, well-paying careers.

The employer panel demonstrated that while workforce challenges differ across industries, many share common needs. Healthcare employers face shortages in nursing, radiology and sterile processing. Reworld seeks operators and technicians for waste processing and power production, while Unionwear continues to navigate a shortage of sewing machine operators. Across sectors, employers emphasized the importance of communication, teamwork, reliability and a willingness to learn alongside technical skills.

Mitch Cahn, President of Unionwear made a strong business case for hiring locally, emphasizing the practical advantages of having employees who live close to their workplace. Local workers can more easily accommodate appointments without missing an entire workday, are less dependent on public transportation schedules when overtime is needed, and may be better positioned to report to work during severe weather or transit disruptions. These advantages can translate into greater flexibility and reliability for employers, demonstrating that hiring Newark residents is not only a community investment but also a smart business decision.

Panelists also highlighted strategies for developing and retaining talent, including customized training, mentorship, paid internships, job shadowing and on-the-job learning. They encouraged employers to broaden their approaches to recruitment and help job seekers discover career opportunities they may not have previously considered.

Another recurring theme was the need to make employment and training resources easier to navigate. Ramos pointed to the challenges created by fragmented information and raised the possibility of a shared portal or clearinghouse connecting job seekers with available opportunities. Glover emphasized the value of networking and relationship-building beyond online applications. Audience discussion further explored ways to connect candidates with additional employers, strengthen business relationships and improve awareness of workforce resources and career events.

“Employers in our region are competing for talent, yet many of the skilled workers they need are already here in Greater Newark,” said Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President and CEO of NRBP. “Our Eye Opener program demonstrated the value of bringing business leaders, educators and workforce development partners together to address this challenge. The opportunity now is to turn that collaboration into action, helping employers meet their evolving workforce needs while creating meaningful, sustainable career pathways for Newark residents.”

NRBP’s next major program, the Annual Regional Economic Outlook, will take place November 12, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., hosted by University Hospital. The program will examine regional trends in healthcare, technology, and the broader economy.