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June 12, 2020

Initiative aims to help businesses, workers with pandemic recovery

PHOTO | Pixabay.com
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

A virtual hiring event, career advancement resources and training are components of a new state initiative aimed at helping businesses and workers rebound from the negative impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday announced the launch of the CT Back to Work Initiative, to help with the state’s economic recovery.

“Whether you are a worker looking for a job, seeking to upgrade your career skills or change careers, or if you’re an employer looking to hire, this initiative will provide residents and businesses with helpful resources at no cost,” Lamont said. 

Kurt Westby, commissioner of the state’s Department of Labor, said it has received nearly 610,000 unemployment applications over the past three months.

“It’s clear people are hurting and need every resource we can provide to help them get back to work,” Westby said.

The goal, according to Westby, is to connect the workforce with the companies who need their skills.

The effort includes a custom jobs portal specifically for Connecticut companies and job seekers through Indeed, to supplement the existing CTHires jobs portal.

As of Friday morning, the new Connecticut Indeed jobs site had more than 24,000 jobs listed. Access that page HERE.

The state also is partnering with Indeed to host a virtual hiring event June 16-18. About 40 companies have signed on to participate, and they need workers in a variety of fields, from home care to nurses to engineers. Click HERE for more information on the virtual event. 

The initiative also includes a training component, including online courses provided by Metrix Learning and 180 Skills.

In May, the state launched the SkillUp CT program, which gives those getting unemployment benefits free access to online courses offered through Metrix.  Since its inception, more than 9,000 people have participated.

Now, 180 Skills is adding its services to the SkillUp CT program, which means more tools for workforce development, such as for those interested in manufacturing careers.

“These resources will not only help residents get back to work, but also return to the workforce armed with new skills and abilities that will help them advance in their careers, be more productive, and help our economy grow overall,” Lamont said.

For more information, visit the state’s coronavirus website at ct.gov/coronavirus and click on the “CT Back to Work Initiative” link.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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