N.J. panel to focus on emerging industry needs to help high school students prepare

A measure aimed at making sure New Jersey students graduate with the skills employers want is ready for Gov. Chris Christie’s desk.

The bill that received final legislative approval in the state Assembly establishes an eight-member task force to identify the training students need for the jobs of the future.

Assemblywoman Connie Wagner says many students are concerned whether they’ll be able to find a job when they graduate, and many employers are having problems finding qualified workers.

“They’re looking for certain skills which we have not been focusing on. So we need to hear from them exactly what they need,” said Wagner, D-Bergen. “Especially the more and more we get into technology, I think, we also can’t ignore the socialization skills that are so required out there, and they do find that’s needed.”

Wagner is concerned students may be spending a lot of time and money on an education that offers little promise of employment. She expects some of the best job opportunities will be in technology, science, and medicine.