Work force development officials are receiving $4.5 million from two sources to spur efforts to train workers in Fairfield County for new careers.
The WorkPlace Inc. received $4 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to train high-school dropouts and individuals with criminal records for jobs. Separately, the Walmart Foundation awarded $500,000 to the WorkPlace to support a DOL program called Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development, with the WorkPlace also supporting WIRED efforts in Westchester County, N.Y.
The $4 million grant was part of $150 million awarded to nearly 40 organizations nationally as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, under an ARRA program called Pathways out of Poverty. DOL aimed the program at targeted neighborhoods where unemployment exceeded 15 percent. No other Connecticut organization received funding under the program.
The Workplace”™s Walmart Foundation grant was one of just seven awarded by the philanthropic organization. The grant will expand the capacity of One Stop Career Shops, with a focus on hiring “career coaches” to ready workers for jobs in health care and green technology. The Workplace plans to connect businesses to the project through an online mentorship program; job shadowing; and internships.
WIRED partners include the Business Council of Fairfield County; Norwalk Community College; Career Resources Inc.; the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Investment Board; the Yonkers Workforce Investment Board; and Westchester Community College.
