With $8 million in new federal funding, Connecticut workforce development agencies will expand job training programs that support in-demand and emerging industries such as advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding.
The funding also supports training in the construction, healthcare, information technology, and distribution, logistics, and transportation industries.
Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board officials in Connecticut said the funding will help employers train and retain both new and existing workers while encouraging long-term investment in the region’s talent pipeline.
“We are committed to putting these federal dollars to work for our regional businesses,” said NRWIB president and CEO Catherine Awwad.
“This grant ensures that when our employers invest in training, they are directly supported in those efforts. It’s a win-win: stronger businesses and a more skilled workforce across Northwest Connecticut.”
NRWIB said it will use its portion of federal funding to accelerate skills training and directly support employers across northwest Connecticut in three core industries: manufacturing, healthcare, architecture, engineering, and construction.
Skills training grants
In September, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded $86 million in Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grants to 14 states to accelerate innovation, strengthen domestic production, and address critical workforce needs across the country.
More than $20 million of the funding will support the revitalization of the domestic shipbuilding industry, training workers in welding, marine electrical, manufacturing, and other skilled trades.
Applicants were required to propose a model to award funds to employers for training and retaining newly hired and incumbent workers in high-growth and emerging industries critical to American competitiveness.
More than $20 million of the funding will support the revitalization of the domestic shipbuilding industry.
According to NRWIB, the funding is specifically designed to make it easier for employers to invest in the skills of their workforces while building a sustainable local talent pipeline.
For example, companies participating in the program will be eligible for outcome-based reimbursements to offset training costs.
For more information, employers can contact one of five workforce development boards in Connecticut.
Each board works on regional employment priorities and training needs with the Connecticut Department of Labor, other state agencies, and local organizations.
