New job center opens in Stamford

Bridgeport-based The WorkPlace will host the grand opening of a new American Job Center at 141 Franklin St., Stamford, on Wednesday. The center is on the second floor.

American Job Center formerly encompassed CTWorks, which still exists but is now rebranded. It currently helps 30,000 job seekers.

The new center is a collaboration between the state Department  of Labor, the nonprofit Career Resources in Bridgeport that implements the center programs and The WorkPlace, “which conducts comprehensive planning and coordinates regional workforce development policy and programs to prepare people for careers while strengthening the workforce for employers.”

Coincidental to the rebranding, two new American Job Centers ”“ the Stamford location and one in Ansonia ”“ make a total four, with the other sites in Bridgeport and Derby. The Ansonia office is about a month behind the Stamford office and should open later this summer, according to WorkPlace spokesman Tom Long.

A dais-full of officials is expected for the 10:30 a.m. opening Wednesday, including Stamford Mayor David Martin; Joseph M. Carbone, president and CEO, The WorkPlace; state Sen. Carlo Leone, D-Darien and Stamford, assistant majority leader; and Tyrone McClain, district director for U.S. Rep. Jim Himes.

In a statement, the Stamford center said it “will provide an integrated array of high-quality services so that workers, job seekers and businesses can find the help they need under one roof in an easy to reach location.”

American Job Center is designed to help businesses find qualified workers and help job seekers obtain employment and training services to enhance their careers. There is no cost. Job seekers are afforded access to the employment, education, training and information services they need at a single location. Individuals may register for computer classes, job skill workshops, personal career counseling and skill testing.