CareerConneCT Job Training Program Rolls Out Key Components

Connecticut’s $70 million CareerConneCT job training initiative has rolled out several key components.

Job seekers can now access an online intake portal to be connected to reskilling, upskilling, or next-skilling opportunities, along with a continuously-growing list of training programs.

These components will be bolstered by a statewide “YOU” marketing campaign, designed to raise awareness of the program.

“The online intake portal symbolizes an open front door to your new career,” chief workforce officer Dr. Kelli Vallieres said in a statement. 

“Connecticut’s workforce development system is open to serve all residents, and we encourage every job seeker to take advantage of this technology and the training it leads to.”

Workforce Needs

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said the programs are critical to addressing the workforce crisis, which he called “the greatest impediment to unlocking Connecticut’s tremendous economic growth potential.”

“With over 97,000 job openings, businesses have the demand,” he said.

“With over 97,000 job openings, businesses have the demand.”

CBIA’s Chris DiPentima

“Now we need to find the people to fill these job openings, and the intake portal and marketing will be critical to ensuring the training programs are filled to capacity.”

DiPentima added that expanding career pathways was one of CBIA’s Transform Connecticut policy priorities for addressing the worker shortage crisis.

“These policy recommendations tackle a range of issues, including lowering the state’s cost of living, expanding career pathways, and providing more housing,” he said.

Transition Support

Shannon Marimón, executive director of CBIA affiliate ReadyCT—a CareerConneCT grant recipient—said the program supported the future of Connecticut’s workforce.

“The near-term future of Connecticut’s workforce is in our high schools,” she said.

“The near-term future of Connecticut’s workforce is in our high schools.”

ReadyCT’s Shannon Marimón

“The state’s CareerConneCT investment in ReadyCT’s postsecondary transition support plan, Student 5.0, makes tremendous sense. 

“We’ve been doing career readiness and launched programming like this for several years, so to be expanding that reach and bringing even more direct training opportunities and wraparound support to high school seniors is really exciting and much needed.”

“It benefits students, educators, parents, and employers alike.”