Almost half of New Jersey's private sector jobs that have been developed during the past 52 weeks were related to the healthcare industry, according to NJSpotlight.com.
During the 20-year period leading up to 2009, 60 percent of jobs created in the Garden State pertained to healthcare.
"That's a pretty astounding number," said Aaron Fichtner, assistant commissioner for labor planning and analysis with the New Jersey Department of Labor. "It's safe to say healthcare has been our strongest industry in New Jersey overall."
The Northern New Jersey Health Professionals Consortium aims to aid 5,000 people advance beyond the grip of poverty by launching careers in the industry during the next five years. As of last week, 368 people enrolled in academic training programs that began during the past summer while 22 individuals completed their studies and are gainfully employed, according to a project director who said the program aimed to have 700 people enrolled.
Ten community colleges offer more than 20 training programs like medical, nursing and dental assistants.
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development encourages businesses, workers, students and others to help the economy of New Jersey perform strongly.