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Ocean County highlights vocational expansions, ALPS move to county college and EMS Academy training push
Summary
The Board described a nearly 25,000-square-foot vocational addition in Jackson to create four new shops and space for 192 students, a relocation of ALPS to Ocean County College for dual credit, growth at MATES, and launch of an EMS Academy to increase EMT training.
Director Frank Sadeghi and other commissioners outlined several education and workforce initiatives the county will prioritize in 2026. Sadeghi described a nearly 25,000-square-foot addition to the county vocational center in Jackson that will create four new trade shops and classroom space for roughly 192 additional students, intended to prepare students for high-demand careers in electrical, plumbing, welding and medical assisting.
Sadeghi also announced relocation of the Academy of Law and Public Safety (ALPS) to the renovated Russell Building at Ocean County College to give students the opportunity to graduate with high-school diplomas and college credits in law enforcement and public safety fields. He said the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES) is getting capacity increases to keep top local students in-county.
Commissioner Robert Arace highlighted the county’s EMS Academy — a training initiative intended to increase the pool of EMTs after declines following the pandemic — and said the county is investing in training costs and partnerships with local agencies to reduce volunteer shortfalls. Arace and Sadeghi both tied these investments to workforce pipelines and public-safety readiness.
