New NJIT Partnership with T&M Aims to Upskill Engineers in Northern NJ

Transforming Engineering Careers through Education

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has launched an innovative academic-industry partnership aimed at making graduate education more accessible for working engineers. This program, introduced on November 10, 2025, partners with leading companies to foster upskilling while addressing job market requirements.

Significant Benefits for Employees

One of the key features of this program is the offering of a 20% tuition discount for companies enrolling cohorts of five or more employees in NJIT’s graduate programs. T&M Associates was the first firm to participate, agreeing to a memorandum of understanding. T&M’s Chairman Gary Dahms expressed enthusiasm: "This partnership enhances our staff's chance for continued education, providing greater value for our professionals to take advantage of furthering their careers."

A Roadmap for Future Collaboration

NJIT President Teik Lim highlighted the holistic approach of modern education, stating, "It's not just on the backs of faculty — we need industry partnerships to educate students better." This synergy enables practical learning experiences, allowing engineers to gain fresh perspectives and techniques while maintaining strong connections with academic resources.

Creating a Robust Talent Pipeline

This initiative is also set to help cultivate a strong talent pipeline in New Jersey. As industries evolve with new technologies and methodologies, the need for continuous education becomes critical. The program allows firms like T&M to invest strategically in their workforce, ensuring that employees are well-prepared for current and future challenges.

Insights from Collaborating Firms

Colliers Engineering & Design, another recent partner with NJIT, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between education and professional practice. Executive Chairman Richard Maser noted the collaborative efforts between academia and industry as vital for nurturing the next generation of engineering leaders. By investing in workforce development, they acknowledge that supporting employees' growth also encourages innovation and progress within their organizations.

In a rapidly changing landscape marked by digital advancements and sustainability demands, employers who provide educational resources are more likely to retain talent and enhance their competitiveness in the marketplace. NJIT’s program exemplifies how partnership models can effectively meet these evolving needs, ensuring that engineers are equipped with relevant, cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

The Bigger Picture: Adoption Across Regions

The success of this partnership signals a transformative shift in how higher education can intersect with industry demands. By setting a benchmark, NJIT and T&M Associates may inspire similar collaborations in Sussex County, NJ, and beyond, heralding a new era of educational partnerships that will strengthen not just individual careers but the state’s overall economic landscape.