Bank of America Partners with State on Workforce Development 

Connecticut’s Office of Workforce Strategy has a new private-sector partner, with Bank of America contributing $400,000 over three years to help implement workforce development programs.

Gov. Ned Lamont said the grant and a collaboration with Social Venture Partners Connecticut allowed the state to create two workforce strategy positions focusing on the IT and healthcare sectors.

“Connecticut needs to make sure that our healthcare and IT workforces are fully operational and meeting the growing needs of our local economy,” Lamont said in a statement.

“Having industry partners like Bank of America step up early in this process and provide direct support not only furthers the mission of the Governor’s Workforce Council but encourages additional partners to do the same.”

Bank of America is one of the first private companies to provide support for OWS, created two years ago to coordinate and direct workforce development strategic initiatives and programs.

Public-Private Partnerships ‘Key’

Kelli-Marie Vallieres, the state’s chief workforce officer, said the grant “will significantly accelerate Connecticut’s development of career pathways in IT and healthcare, while providing high quality career opportunities for thousands of people from marginalized populations.”

Leaders at Bank of America hope their actions will encourage others to support OWS. 

“As we find ways to grow Connecticut’s economy, public-private partnerships are key to preparing individuals for jobs, building a more robust pipeline of diverse talent, and fueling local economic mobility,” Bank of America of Greater Hartford president Joe Gianni said. 

The grant will support the rollout of the state’s CareerConnect initiative, launched in January to provide short-term training programs and connect participants with in-demand jobs.

“Bank of America is committed to connecting individuals to meaningful jobs and we are eager to see the impact CareerConneCT will have on thousands of local individuals and families,” Gianni said.