Associate Committee Meeting - "Upcoming Presentation: The Future of the Construction Workforce in South Jersey with the Institute of Technology"
Ren Parikh, Founder of Ideal Builders is scheduled to speak at the Associates Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 3rd at the League office at 10:00 am.
The Presentation will cover "The Future of the Construction Workforce in South Jersey with the Institute of Technology"
Ren Parikh is a social entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in innovative design thinking, research, education, and networking. He is dedicated to transforming the education system through work-based learning and social enterprise. Ren is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Ideal Institute of Technology, the first-of-its-kind career college where enrolled students get paid to attend school by participating in work-based learning through social enterprise.
Overview:
Collaboration Opportunity with Builders League of South Jersey (BLSJ)
Strategic Proposal: Bridging Industry Needs with Workforce Development
1. Workforce Pipeline for BLSJ Members
Ideal can serve as a talent incubator for BLSJ members by providing:
●
Skilled entry-level workers and apprentices in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing via NCCER-certified programs.
●
Opportunities for contractors and builders to access graduates who are OSHA-certified, pre-trained, and work-ready.
●
Flexible pathways for upskilling existing employees through short-term, credentialed training (evenings/weekends available).
2. Co-Developing Registered Apprenticeship Programs
Ideal can act as the program sponsor for apprenticeship initiatives across the trades. Builders League members can:
●
Register apprentices under Ideal’s existing DOL-approved frameworks.
●
Utilize the ERISA-compliant Apprenticeship and Training Trust Fund setup model for long-term sustainability
●
Gain support in recruitment, compliance, and classroom instruction delivery.
3. Work-Based Learning & Co-Ops
Ideal’s social enterprises, such as Ideal Builders, allow students to work on real-world construction projects while learning. Opportunities for BLSJ:
●
Subcontract Ideal’s student-led teams for framing, finishing, maintenance, or affordable housing projects.
●
Partner on community builds, including Tiny Homes, youth housing, or community improvement efforts.
4. Promotion and Shared Advocacy
●
Joint marketing initiatives can highlight Builders League’s commitment to workforce development and education.
●
BLSJ members can gain public recognition and tax incentives by mentoring students and hosting internships.
●
Ideal's media and marketing division, Ideal Studio, can help promote Builders League projects through content creation and storytelling.
Why This Partnership Matters
This collaboration strengthens South Jersey’s construction industry while transforming lives. It will:
●
Address the labor shortage in skilled trades.
●
Provide career pathways for underserved youth and adults.
●
Revitalize communities through purpose-driven building projects.
●
Align with BLSJ’s mission to advance the homebuilding industry through innovation and workforce excellence.
Located in Pleasantville, they offer 100% hands-on training in various career pathways through their schools: School of Construction Trades, School of Technology, School of Advanced Manufacturing, School of Digital Film Production, School of Entrepreneurship. Click here to learn more.
The Associates Committee's South Jersey Builder & Remodeler Series presents a different builder or remodeler at each of its meetings and gives members the opportunity to learn more about their company, how they work with subcontractors and product suppliers, and the preferred way for new vendors to approach them for business.
The Presentation will cover "The Future of the Construction Workforce in South Jersey with the Institute of Technology"
Ren Parikh is a social entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in innovative design thinking, research, education, and networking. He is dedicated to transforming the education system through work-based learning and social enterprise. Ren is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Ideal Institute of Technology, the first-of-its-kind career college where enrolled students get paid to attend school by participating in work-based learning through social enterprise.
Overview:
Collaboration Opportunity with Builders League of South Jersey (BLSJ)
Strategic Proposal: Bridging Industry Needs with Workforce Development
1. Workforce Pipeline for BLSJ Members
Ideal can serve as a talent incubator for BLSJ members by providing:
●
Skilled entry-level workers and apprentices in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing via NCCER-certified programs.
●
Opportunities for contractors and builders to access graduates who are OSHA-certified, pre-trained, and work-ready.
●
Flexible pathways for upskilling existing employees through short-term, credentialed training (evenings/weekends available).
2. Co-Developing Registered Apprenticeship Programs
Ideal can act as the program sponsor for apprenticeship initiatives across the trades. Builders League members can:
●
Register apprentices under Ideal’s existing DOL-approved frameworks.
●
Utilize the ERISA-compliant Apprenticeship and Training Trust Fund setup model for long-term sustainability
●
Gain support in recruitment, compliance, and classroom instruction delivery.
3. Work-Based Learning & Co-Ops
Ideal’s social enterprises, such as Ideal Builders, allow students to work on real-world construction projects while learning. Opportunities for BLSJ:
●
Subcontract Ideal’s student-led teams for framing, finishing, maintenance, or affordable housing projects.
●
Partner on community builds, including Tiny Homes, youth housing, or community improvement efforts.
4. Promotion and Shared Advocacy
●
Joint marketing initiatives can highlight Builders League’s commitment to workforce development and education.
●
BLSJ members can gain public recognition and tax incentives by mentoring students and hosting internships.
●
Ideal's media and marketing division, Ideal Studio, can help promote Builders League projects through content creation and storytelling.
Why This Partnership Matters
This collaboration strengthens South Jersey’s construction industry while transforming lives. It will:
●
Address the labor shortage in skilled trades.
●
Provide career pathways for underserved youth and adults.
●
Revitalize communities through purpose-driven building projects.
●
Align with BLSJ’s mission to advance the homebuilding industry through innovation and workforce excellence.
Located in Pleasantville, they offer 100% hands-on training in various career pathways through their schools: School of Construction Trades, School of Technology, School of Advanced Manufacturing, School of Digital Film Production, School of Entrepreneurship. Click here to learn more.
The Associates Committee's South Jersey Builder & Remodeler Series presents a different builder or remodeler at each of its meetings and gives members the opportunity to learn more about their company, how they work with subcontractors and product suppliers, and the preferred way for new vendors to approach them for business.
Date and Time
Tuesday Jun 3, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
Location
Builders League of South Jersey
114 Haddontowne Court
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Fees/Admission
Event is FREE - But you must register
