Where People, Partnership and Policy Powers Transformation
The workforce engine of the AACCNJ Transformation Center — connecting talent to credentials, careers, and economic mobility.
Beyond training, we offer opportunities and supports that help you stay on track, earn while you learn, and launch strong
WHY TDI EXISTS:
The Training & Development Institute (TDI) exists to expand economic mobility by connecting individuals to the skills, credentials, and career pathways needed to thrive in today’s workforce. Through strategic partnerships with employers, public agencies, and community organizations, TDI aligns training with real labor market demand and creates clear pathways from learning to employment.
As the workforce engine of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, TDI delivers innovative workforce and professional development programs that strengthen individuals, support employers, and contribute to the long-term economic vitality of New Jersey. Our work advances the Chamber’s mission of economic empowerment and equitable opportunity by ensuring that talent from every community has access to meaningful careers and pathways for advancement.
Workforce Innovation Hub
(coming soon)
The workforce component of the AACCNJ Transformation Center will serve as a nationally recognized Workforce Innovation Hub, powered by the Training & Development Institute (TDI). This dynamic environment is designed to move individuals from interest to industry through a fully integrated system of career readiness, credential attainment, work-based learning, and direct connection to employment.
Grounded in real-time labor market demand, the Center will deliver training in high-growth sectors such as healthcare, supply chain and logistics, infrastructure and the building trades, security and public safety, emerging technologies, and education.
Participants will have access to hands-on learning labs, employer-led instruction, immersive technology, paid internships, and on-site career navigation — all supported by the comprehensive wraparound services that remove barriers to completion and long-term retention. More than a training location, the Transformation Center’s workforce hub will function as a talent pipeline for New Jersey employers, an upskilling resource for incumbent workers, and a launchpad for individuals seeking economic mobility.
Building People Capability & Capacity for Success
AACCNJ’s Training & Development Institute (TDI) partners with businesses and organizations to deliver customized training solutions designed to strengthen teams, improve productivity, and prepare employees for today’s rapidly evolving workplace. Our industry-informed trainers work with employers to design programs that address real workforce needs—from leadership development and workplace readiness to emerging technology and cybersecurity awareness.
Organizations can engage TDI to deliver on-site training, virtual instructor-led sessions, or tailored workforce development programs that align with their operational goals. Whether supporting small businesses looking to build staff capacity or large organizations seeking to upskill their workforce, TDI provides flexible, high-impact training that helps employees grow and organizations thrive.
Training areas may include:
• Workplace professionalism and communication
• Leadership and supervisory development
• Customer service and sales excellence
• Cybersecurity awareness and digital safety
• Workforce readiness and team effectiveness
• Industry-specific skills development
Through customized training and strategic partnerships, TDI helps organizations build stronger teams, retain talent, and remain competitive in an evolving economy.
PATHWAYS TO RECOVERY
A transformative Department of Labor initiative providing workforce services for individuals and families directly or
indirectly impacted by the opioid epidemic. (Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Union, Hunterdon, and Somerset)
SNAP STEPS
The NJDOL SNAP STEPS Program offers SNAP recipients free employment services to help them move toward financial stability. As a subcontractor to Blessed Ministries, Inc., TDI provides career coaching, job readiness training, and wraparound support across the Northern Region (Morris, Sussex, Warren, Essex, Hudson, Passaic).
PACE – PRE-APPRENTICESHIP FOR CAREER EDUCATORS
The Pre-Apprenticeship for Career Educators (PACE) program is a collaborative initiative led by the AACCNJ Training & Development Institute (TDI) in partnership with The Apprenticeship Network and Trenton Public Schools. PACE is designed to strengthen the educator workforce pipeline by supporting paraprofessionals and aspiring educators as they advance toward careers in teaching.
Through this pre-apprenticeship model, participants receive structured professional development, career guidance, and exposure to apprenticeship pathways that lead to teacher certification and long-term careers in education. The program prepares participants with the foundational skills, classroom readiness, and professional competencies needed to transition from paraprofessional roles into certified teaching positions.
PACE helps address the growing shortage of qualified educators while creating meaningful career advancement opportunities for individuals already committed to serving students and communities.
Program components may include:
• Professional development and classroom readiness training
• Career coaching and mentorship
• Exposure to registered apprenticeship pathways in education
• Guidance toward teacher certification and credential pathways
• Partnerships with school districts and education workforce leaders
Through PACE, TDI is helping to build the next generation of educators while expanding economic mobility and strengthening New Jersey’s education workforce.
A comprehensive workforce initiative that brings together best practices in reentry and economic mobility to support justice-
impacted individuals, by combining access to resources, skills training, and wraparound support.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUILDING SUCCESS
In partnership with the NJ Department of Labor- providing training, career and support services, paid internships and stipends to help justice-impacted individuals overcome barriers and achieve long-term career success. (Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Union, Hunterdon, and Somerset).
NJLEAD
In partnership with the NJ Department of Corrections to support justice-impacted individuals with workforce training, credential
attainment, and comprehensive reentry services.
AACCNJ’s Training & Development Institute (TDI) provides free and confidential SNAP Navigator services to help individuals and families access the food assistance benefits they may be eligible for through New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Our trained Navigators offer one-on-one guidance throughout the entire process, helping clients understand eligibility requirements, complete applications, submit documentation, and maintain their benefits. We work closely with community members to ensure that the application process is simple, supportive, and stress-free.
Whether you are applying for the first time or need help maintaining your benefits, our team is here to help you access the resources you need to support your household and maintain stability.
Our SNAP Navigator services include:
• Free and confidential eligibility screening
• Assistance completing and submitting SNAP applications
• Help with required documentation
• Support with renewals and benefit maintenance
IMPACT IS WHAT WE DO
TESTIMONIALS: THE IMPACT
IN THE NEWS
PHOTO GALLERY
The Team
Behind TDI
At TDI, our team brings expertise in education, non-profit programming, workforce development, and behavioral health — grounded in a deep understanding of the communities we serve. We lead with empathy, advocacy, and personalized support, helping participants move forward with confidence, stability, and purpose as they pursue new opportunities.
Vivian Harmon
Executive Director, Training & Development Institute
Nyanpu Kerkulah
Program Director
Melody Holiday
Workforce Administrative Operations & Intake Coordinator
Khadir Williams
Program Coordinator – Workforce
Shawn Sapp
Workforce and Operations Coordinator
Demetra Alston
Employment & Outreach Specialist