YouthBuild Bridgeport - Start a Career In Construction
|
|
The construction industry is growing and in need of workers. YouthBuild Bridgeport is a pre-apprentice program that helps out-of-school Bridgeport residents between the ages of 16-24 learn construction skills. Young adults in the program receive academic, and skills training focused on literacy and numeracy skills to attain a high school diploma or GED and earn industry-recognized certifications. In addition, participants receive transportation assistance, a uniform and boots, tools upon graduation, and job search and placement assistance.
After a period of classroom and online learning, participants build vital leadership skills through project-based learning in the community. They work with local affordable housing agencies like Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County and Park City Communities to identify construction-related problems, plan a solution and execute a plan of improvement. For more information, contact us at (203) 416-8487 or email Gigi at gmontes@workplace.org.
|
|
Train for a Rewarding Career as an Environmental Professional
|
|
Cleaning the environment is an essential focus of the green economy. Sites that have been polluted because of industrial activity, the use of pesticides and fertilizer, or the release of other pollutants must be cleaned up to redevelop or return them to their natural state.
EnvironmentalWorks provides skills training and certifications to become an Environmental Field Technician. EnvironmentalWorks participants will be able to secure jobs across a spectrum of environmental management activities. The program will prepare students to assess, clean up, revitalize brownfields, and manage and clean up hazardous waste sites. This program is available to Bridgeport residents at no cost.
EnvironmentalWorks is hosting information sessions throughout July for interested Bridgeport residents. Contact Diana Napier at (203) 610-8108 or dnapier@workplace.org to register.
|
|
SkillUp CT - Free Online Learning for Connecticut Residents
|
|
Upgrade your skills and get ready to get back to work. The WorkPlace offers a free online learning system called SkillUp CT that helps job seekers enhance their skills and gain certifications to secure employment. Visit SkillUp CT to explore and select industry pathways available, browse the Metrix Learning catalog for courses to develop your skills, learn about skill tracks and certification opportunities, or find a job in your area. Connecticut residents can access 5,000 online courses in information technology, business analysis, customer service, digital literacy, and more. SkillUp CT also offers training leading to 100 industry certifications.
|
|
CompTIA A+ Certification Preparation Course Starting This Fall
|
|
The WorkPlace is excited to provide individuals with training opportunities in the growing IT industry at no cost. Through The Connecticut Workforce and High Tech Industry Skills Partnership, we are offering short-term IT courses aligned with industry certification, support services, and job-search assistance.
The 15-week online course provided by Housatonic Community College will prepare individuals to start in entry-level IT positions. The CompTIA A+ certification is the starting point for a career in IT and will prepare students for the industry-recognized certification. The course covers all topics related to CompTIA A+ 220-1101 and CompTIA+ 220-1102.
Classes begin September 19, 2022. For more information, contact Alexandra Langston at alangston@workplace.org.
|
|
Platform to Employment Finishes Year 8 Strong
|
|
Platform to Employment (P2E) held another statewide graduation in June, rounding out the end of its 8th successful year. The graduation culminated a program year serving over 300 participants across the state of Connecticut. Over 90% of graduates from this program year have found employment with an average salary of $53,024.
For participant speaker Aileen Bastos, addressing the new graduates was an emotional experience. "I realized I couldn't do it on my own, and I hadn't been able to do it on my own. I figured I had nothing to lose, so I signed up for Platform to Employment. Meeting the class was daunting. Hearing everyone's stories were inspiring and made me feel less alone. We were all there with a common goal: to find a job and regain control of our lives. I found a group of people who were struggling like I was, and they offered comradery and encouragement. We celebrated each other success and helped each other through rejection." Aileen said to the graduating class. "The P2E program gives back what you put into it. I have taken my life back and have a renewed sense of purpose." Aileen is now employed full-time as the Marketing and Communications Manager at CT Landmarks.
Contact us today if you or someone you know is struggling with long-term unemployment. Classes for the new year are beginning soon. For more information, please visit our website.
|
|
ApprenticeshipWorks and YouthBuild
|
|
Quin'shon M. is a 20-year-old Bridgeport resident and participant of The WorkPlace's YouthBuild and ApprenticeshipWorks programs. Quin'shon left his undergraduate studies at UConn, where he majored in Computer Science & Engineering, to pursue his childhood dream of joining the Army National Guard. Following his unit training, his uncle told him about the WorkPlace's YouthBuild program and thought it would be a great opportunity.
"I joined YouthBuild to get a good understanding of the construction industry. I've always wanted to be in the electrical field, so I thought that earning credentials from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) through YouthBuild could get me started. In every class I attended, my NCCER Instructor, Louie, was passionate about this one profession: manufacturing. He was so passionate that I started to think of ideas for what I could do in the future with the knowledge of manufacturing. I felt that manufacturing would be a good stepping stone to lead me into my adult life. So that was when I dual-enrolled in the ApprenticeshipWorks program to get training for CNC Machining."
"The WorkPlace helped me with everything I needed to succeed. They provided transportation to training at Platt Technical School, gave me workboots & tools, and helped me attain my Drivers License Permit. I earned my OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 card, Forklift Certificate, NCCER Certification, HAAS CNC Lathe and Milling Certificate, and NIMS CNC Lathe and Milling Operations Credentials. After training completion, I set a goal to complete an apprenticeship in manufacturing. The staff in both programs helped me so much. My Job Development Specialist, Kimberly Hare, was a helpful resource for me with job readiness & job interview prep. They also gave me emotional support, especially when I needed someone to talk to when my personal life needed as much attention as my skills training."
Shortly after completing the CNC Machining program with ApprenticeshipWorks, Quin'shon attended HCC's Manufacturing Job Fair and connected with several employers who invited him to interview. Two days later, he went on his first of many scheduled interviews, and Rotair Aerospace Corporation in Bridgeport offered him a position on the spot. When Quin'shon told the employer he would like to pursue an apprenticeship in manufacturing, they set about working with The WorkPlace and the CT Office of Apprenticeship Training to set up an approved Registered Apprenticeship Program. Quin'shon has been working as Shop Technician at Rotair since June 13. The role is full-time with benefits.
When asked about his future goals, Quin'shon said, "My short-term goals as of now are to complete my apprenticeship, earn my associate's degree in Advanced Manufacturing at Housatonic Community College, and eventually pursue a bachelor's degree."
|
|
CareerHub Virtual Information Session
Every Monday | 10 am-11 am
Zoom
Board Meeting
September 16, 2022 | 8:15 am
|
|
THE WORKPLACE PROGRAMS
Learn about our workforce development programs for job seekers and employers.
|
EMPLOYER SERVICES
The WorkPlace help businesses find, train, and grow a qualified workforce. Learn more.
|
LABOR MARKET UPDATE
Stay up to date with the latest changes going on in the labor market.
|
|
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.
Follow us on social media
|
|
We're Hiring!
Click the link below to learn about employment opportunities at The WorkPlace
|
|
The WorkPlace | www.workplace.org | (203) 610-8500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|