State Launches $70M Pandemic Job Training Program

01.07.2022
Workforce

The state launched a $70 million job training program this week designed to help those who lost their jobs during the pandemic return to work.

The CareerConneCT program offers short-term training programs that provide industry-recognized credentials and and employment opportunities in high-demand industries, including manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and clean energy.

“CareerConneCT will not only help unemployed individuals find work,” Gov. Lamont said in a statement, “but it will also help modernize our workforce and strengthen our economy by providing innovative companies across our state with access to the most educated workforce in the country.”

The state’s Office of Workforce Strategy will administer the program, which is funded through allocations from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

CareerConneCT is expected to support training for approximately 8,000 participants. Grants will be issued to training providers twice yearly, in February and August.

Training Provider Applications

The first application round is now open, and training providers can apply online through Feb. 20, 2022.

CBIA’s 2021 Survey of Connecticut Businesses found 80% of employers have difficulty finding and retaining workers, and over one-third (35%) cite a lack of skilled job applicants as the main factor hampering their growth.

In addition, survey respondents wanted lawmakers to focus on investing in education and trade schools (22%) and funding for training programs (21%).

“Business leaders have made it clear that there are plenty of job openings, but not enough skilled applicants,” CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said.

“We know what we need to do to create a thriving economy in Connecticut, and the CareerConneCT program is a step in the right direction.”

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