Workforce and High-Tech Industry Skills Partnership
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The WorkPlace has joined with Capital Workforce Partners on a H1-B One Workforce Grant, they have received, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Connecticut Workforce & High Tech Industry Skills Partnership (CT-WHISP) will provide Incumbent Worker Training to upskill the current manufacturing workforce, as well as provide entry-level technical IT training to the unemployed and underemployed. The grant will serve over 450 residents of southwest Connecticut over a four-year period.
Manufacturing employers can receive reimbursement (up to $2,000) for each eligible employee who participates in Incumbent Worker Training. Incumbent Worker Training is a type of work-based, employer-driven training for employees who need to upgrade their skills to secure full-time employment, advance in their careers, or retain their current position. Training may provide the introduction of new technologies, production, or service procedures, support upgrading or acquiring additional skills, workplace literacy, or other purposes identified by the employer.
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Additional Funding for Re-Entry Programs
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Transitioning back into society from incarceration can be challenging and individuals face many obstacles, including finding stable employment. Discouragement is common when searching for a job due to the stigma attached to having a criminal background. The WorkPlace’s re-entry programs offer employment services to individuals in Connecticut who have been touched by the criminal justice system. Recent funding has allowed the program to expand services available and offer a more holistic approach to employment.
Finding stable employment can significantly reduce the chance of the person reoffending. Individuals enrolled in one of our re-entry programs will be connected with a network of support and work directly with staff to develop a career pathway to gain lasting employment. Participants in the program have the opportunity to gain new techniques on how to find employment, prepare for interviews and develop life skills that ensure they are career ready.
As part of our holistic approach, support services are available to individuals to help overcome barriers as they transition out of incarceration such as child care and transportation. Additional services such as housing assistance, financial and legal counseling, substance abuse counseling, and emotional wellbeing programming is available.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one get back to work contact Terri Williams at twilliams@workplace.org or visit us online here.
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Gain A Rewarding Career In the Environmental Field
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EnvironmentalWorks is recruiting Bridgeport residents interested in working in the environmental field. Participants will undergo an intensive training program that will prepare them for employment in various environmental management positions.
This training will prepare individuals to enter careers as an Environmental Field Technician and will help ensure that employers have a trained local workforce needed to revitalize contaminated brownfield sites in Southwest Connecticut. Students will graduate with professional certifications such as Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, and First Aid. These certifications will enhance students' resumes and help them build long-term careers.
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Platform to Employment Re-Entry
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Platform to Employment Re-Entry graduate Edgardo Patron was the class speaker at the program's recent graduation. Edgardo has found full-time employment at Solun Bar and Tapas and volunteers full time during the day with Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery. Hear his testimonial to the program below:
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Supporting Our Customers Beyond The Job Search
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Supportive services are an integral part of the holistic approach The WorkPlace has toward workforce development. Services such as childcare, transportation, technology assistance, and more address barriers and allow our customers to engage in their job search or training programs fully.
Child care and transportation are two of the most prominent barriers individuals face while trying to gain employment or upgrade their skills. Funds for supportive services may be used to offset the cost of childcare, allowing participants peace of mind knowing that their child is safe while they are participating in a training program or class. For individuals with no private transportation, WorkPlace staff may provide bus passes, train passes, gas gift cards, and rides through rideshare organizations such as Uber and Lyft.
Funding from private organizations has allowed The WorkPlace to expand supportive services available to participants. A recent partnership with Comcast allowed our Supportive Services for Veterans Program to purchase Chromebooks for 15 veterans and provide job search training. With this new technology, the Veterans are able to improve their job search, create an online presence to connect with employers and attend classes.
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Thank You To Our Supporters
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Dress For Success Mid-Fairfield County
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Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County (DFSMFC) empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools they need to thrive in work and life. DFSMFC recently received donations from The Links, Fairfield Chapter, and Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution.
This year DFSMFC has partnered with The Links, Inc. to make a difference in the lives of others, notably women in underserved communities. The Links Fairfield Chapter generously put together 30 boutique boxes for members of the Professional Women's Group. The boxes include an insulated beverage container, a shawl perfect for the cold weather, a tote bag, information on personal financial planning, and a notebook.
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DFSMFC also received a large donation of new and gently used purses from the CT Daughters of the American Revolution. The purses were stuffed with health, beauty, and organizational items as well as gift cards. The purses will be given to clients that come to the Dress for Success Boutique for suiting's and to members of the Professional Women's Group.
Thanks to donations from partner organizations, DFSMFC is able to continue offering long-lasting solutions that enable women to break the cycle of poverty.
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The WorkPlace Employee Spotlight
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Name: Carmen A. Nieves
Where are you from? Born and raised in Stamford, but Bridgeport is where all the things I love are; my husband of 32 years, my daughters, my five grandchildren, my job, and my community.
How long have you been with The WorkPlace? I joined The WorkPlace in 2012 for an 18-month project. This year will be my 10-year anniversary.
What is your role at The WorkPlace? Currently, I serve as an Employer Relations Specialist servicing our 20-town region primarily working with young adults in our “CareerHub” Program. I am grateful to be able to leverage my time and WorkPlace resources to help participants find jobs and provide employer supports that allow them to give someone a much-needed opportunity.
How has your job been impacted by the pandemic?
Since the start of the pandemic I have witnessed so much grief and loss that it affects my emotional and physical health. I celebrate all the positive steps that keep me hopeful and moving forward. In my work, I celebrate the everyday little wins like a co-workers help, an understanding meeting with my manager, a participant stopping by to say hello, or sending me a message to show me a picture of their new baby, their drivers permit, a certificate for training they just completed or share their first paycheck.
I am grateful to work for an organization that understands the value of people and families. While so many have not been able to return to work, I continue to do all I can to help them and remain thankful to have been able to continue working remotely during the pandemic.
What is a quote that inspires you?
This had always been my favorite quote by Henry David Thoreau “It’s not what you are looking at that matters, it’s what you see”. I choose to see the best in the people.
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CareerHub Virtual Information Session
Every Monday | 10 am-11 am
Zoom
Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program Information Session
February 16, 2022 | 6:30 pm
Zoom
Board Meeting
March 18, 2022 | 8:15 am
Purse-suit of Success
A purse auction and cocktail party fundraiser benefitting
Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County
May 10, 2022 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Boca Oyster Bar
10 Main Street, Bridgeport CT
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THE WORKPLACE PROGRAMS
Learn about our workforce development programs for job seekers and employers.
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LABOR MARKET UPDATE
Stay up to date with the latest changes going on in the labor market.
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The mission of The WorkPlace is to develop a well-educated, well-trained, and self-sufficient workforce that can confidently compete in today’s changing global marketplace.
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The WorkPlace | www.workplace.org | (203) 610-8500
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