Shaquille O'Neal has helped launch a new jobs program in his native Newark to increase access to unions and construction jobs in the New Jersey city.

Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal (Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
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O'Neal joined with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on Tuesday to unveil Project Impact Newark. The goal is to prepare residents for union entrance exams and help secure apprenticeship positions with plumbing, carpentry and laborer unions.

The program will connect eligible residents for training and jobs to help build a 169-unit luxury high-rise apartment tower that is being constructed by Boraie Development in a partnership with O'Neal.

The former NBA star and TV analyst says he will move into the top floor of the building after it's completed.

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