Program at a Glance
Program: NPower Path2TECH — Free IT Training and Certification Next Cohort Start Date: July 2026 Cost: No cost to participants
Who Can Apply: Veterans, military spouses, active-duty service members in transition, and young adults ages 18 to 26
Training Format: 16-week half-day training plus a 7-week paid internship Tracks Available: Tech Fundamentals, Networking and Systems Administration, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing
How to Register: Contact Ingrid Macias, Veterans Business Services Representative New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Union County One-Stop Career Center 921 Elizabeth Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 Ingrid.Macias@dol.nj.gov
For more information contact: Helen Kogan
Executive Director, NY NJ Metro Area
(317) 415-8830 | helen.kogan@npower.org
A No-Cost Path Into a Tech Career Starts This July
Finding a route into the technology industry is not always straightforward. For veterans, military spouses, and young adults across Ocean County and Monmouth County, a free program is removing some of the biggest obstacles. NPower, a nationally recognized nonprofit, is now enrolling candidates for its next cohort, which begins in July 2026.
The program is coordinated locally through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Ocean County residents can connect directly with Veterans Business Services Representative Ingrid Macias at the Union County One-Stop Career Center to learn more and get started.
What Is NPower and Who Does It Serve?
NPower was founded in 2000. Since then, it has trained more than 12,000 alumni across the country. Its New Jersey operations are part of a broader national network that includes programs in Newark and other metropolitan markets.
The organization specifically targets populations that are often overlooked in the traditional hiring pipeline. Those include young adults between the ages of 18 and 26, military veterans, active-duty service members in transition, and military spouses. Roughly 30 percent of the individuals NPower serves are military-connected. Another 76 percent of young adult participants identify as Black or Latinx.
The results are real. Eighty-one percent of NPower students go on to find employment or continue their education after completing the program. Graduates have gone on to work at companies including Deloitte, Citi, Amazon, Google, and Verizon, among many others.
What the Training Covers
NPower’s Path2TECH program is built around four core tracks. Each one is designed to lead directly to entry-level employment. Courses are industry-aligned and include both technical instruction and professional development.
Tech Fundamentals
This track is available to young adults and military-connected individuals. It covers computer hardware, networking support, cloud and operating system basics, agile project management, and an introduction to AI tools and ethical use. Participants can earn CompTIA Tech+, CompTIA A+, and a Google IT Support Certificate. Graduates from this track have landed roles including helpdesk technician, desktop analyst, business analyst, and field technician.
Networking and Systems Administration
This advanced course covers Linux systems, cloud administration, scripting and automation, and foundational AI concepts. Certifications earned include CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA Network+, and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals. Graduates have moved into roles such as network administrator, systems admin, and cloud engineer.
Cybersecurity
This track prepares participants to manage network threats, conduct risk assessments, and secure operating systems. Students earn CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Linux+ credentials. Graduates work as security analysts, vulnerability analysts, and cyber investigation analysts.
Cloud Computing
This course focuses on managing cloud infrastructure, business continuity planning, and AWS AI tools. Certifications include AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect Associate. Graduates have been placed as cloud solutions architects, migration specialists, and cloud technology consultants.
All tracks are offered at no cost to participants. Training runs approximately 16 weeks, and most graduates also complete a seven-week paid internship before placement.
How Ocean County Residents Can Apply
The program is particularly relevant for veterans and military families in communities like Toms River, Brick, Lakewood, and Point Pleasant. Connecting with the right contact is the first step.
To get started, reach out to:
Ingrid Macias Veterans Business Services Representative New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Union County One-Stop Career Center 921 Elizabeth Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 Ingrid.Macias@dol.nj.gov
The Ocean County Career Center also works closely with local workforce development partners and training programs. If you are a veteran, young adult, or job seeker in the area, the job and career services available through our center are a strong complement to what NPower provides. Our team can help with orientation, skills assessments, and connecting you to the right training resources.
Additionally, young adults in the area should explore our youth programs page for more information on programs designed for the 18 to 26 age group.
A Real Investment in the Region’s Workforce
The technology gap is growing. Nationally, nearly 6 million jobs are projected to require tech skills in the coming years. The available talent pool is estimated at just 3.2 million candidates. That gap represents real opportunity for job seekers who are willing to build the right skills.
NPower’s model has shown that a $7,500 investment in one student can lead to more than $1 million in additional lifetime income. For Ocean County and Monmouth County residents ready to make a change, the July 2026 cohort is a concrete place to start.
For more local career resources, training opportunities, and job listings, visit the Ocean County Career Center learning center.
