A new training program in Paterson is hoping to help unemployed residents find work.

NJ Build is a pre-apprenticeship training program from the New Jersey Re-entry Corporation. It will train people in building and construction jobs.

Women, minorities and people with a history of addiction or incarceration will all be encouraged to join the program.

"Part of what we do every day when we get up is to help people maintain their sobriety, maintain their health care, have access to housing," said Jim McGreevey, former governor of New Jersey. "But it's employment. The best social welfare program in the world is having a job.

The program is open to residents in seven counties.

Training begins in September and runs through December.