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Inflection Point Newsletter

September 2024

The WorkPlace has formed a Blue-Ribbon Committee to guide the organization in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology and its implications for the workforce system. By tapping into the expertise of diverse business leaders, educators and AI specialists, our objective is to identify and harness emerging opportunities that benefit both employers and jobseekers.


Over the next few months, the committee will convene regularly to discuss trends, share insights, and strategize on integrating AI tools into our services. It is crucial for workforce partnerships to embrace AI as a powerful tool in designing and delivering inclusive and affordable programs that meet the changing workforce needs. This collaboration will help ensure that a thriving workforce is ready to tackle challenges and opportunities in the future.


Research suggests that AI can help accelerate learning and skill development. Together, we can build a robust framework that maximizes the benefits of AI while fostering innovation and resilience within our workforce system.

In This Issue

New Funding to Support Veterans

Virtual Reality Event

Career ConneCT

Key Bank Workshops

Upcoming Trainings

Lockhead Martin Supports Students

Success Story

Continuing Commitment: The WorkPlace Secures $2.4 Million Grant to Support Local Veterans

The WorkPlace has received a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to continue providing support services to veterans and their families in Southwest Fairfield and Southcentral Connecticut. This marks the 13th consecutive year The WorkPlace has been awarded the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) grant.


This funding will allow The WorkPlace to implement its holistic approach to serving veterans, providing services such as rental assistance, household necessities, healthcare navigation and legal referrals. The goal is to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of homeless gain stability and self-sufficiency.


The WorkPlace has a proven track record of using SSVF funding to deliver life-changing care to veterans when they need it most. We look forward to another year of serving veterans and giving back to those who have bravely served our country. Learn more about the SSVF program using the link below.

Learn More About SSVF

Virtual Reality Career Exploration Event

Looking to explore new career options? Join us at the American Job Center for our virtual reality (VR) career exploration event. This innovative experience allows you to step into immersive simulations that replicate real-world tasks across various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and construction.


During this multi-day event, you’ll have the chance to explore different roles in a hands-on way, gaining insights into the skills and knowledge needed for success in each field. It’s a practical approach to career exploration that combines learning with engaging technology.

Our friendly team will be available to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you discover which career paths resonate with you. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to pivot into a new role, this is a great opportunity to find out what interests you most.


Don’t miss the chance to explore your future with us. This event series run from September 27 – October 7th at The American Job Center located at 2 Lafayette Square, Bridgeport CT. Visit our calendar of events to learn more and see a full list of dates. Join us and see where your interests can take you!

View Event Dates

Overhead Line Work Training: No-Cost Opportunity!

The Introduction to Overhead Line Work training program is an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to embark on a career in skilled trades. This comprehensive three-week course is designed to equip participants with the fundamental skills needed for electric linework. This program is a collaborative effort between United Illuminating, the Utility Workers Union of America Local 470-1, and Housatonic Community College.


Taking place at the UI Trumbull Training Yard, this certificate program offers hands-on training led by Housatonic in collaboration with experts in electrical operations and union leaders. Participants will learn crucial skills, including safe handling of high- and low-voltage lines, utility pole climbing, hardware installation, and managing live lines with the appropriate protective gear.


To qualify, participants must reside in New Haven or Fairfield County and meet eligibility criteria: legally able to work in the U.S., and either unemployed or underemployed. Individuals accepted into the program can receive this valuable training at no cost.


Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart your career as an entry-level line worker! For more information and to apply, please visit our website. 

Learn More About EnergyWorks

Transform Your Career: Join the Nursing Expansion Program

The Health Career Academy’s Nursing Career Pathways program is a statewide initiative designed to assist individuals in advancing their careers within the healthcare industry. Led by The WorkPlace in partnership with Capital Workforce Partners, this program provides comprehensive support to help participants overcome obstacles and achieve their career goals.


The program offers a range of services, including mentoring, tuition assistance, childcare, transportation, rental assistance and job placement assistance. These resources are specifically tailored to address the unique needs of the individuals pursuing nursing careers, ensuring they have the necessary support to succeed.


To be eligible, individuals must meet the following criteria:

  • Be accepted into an LPN or RN program or an associate-level or bachelor’s degree-level Nursing program at one of our partnering educational institutes.
  • Possess a licensure as a CNA, EMT, LPN, PCT, or Medical Assistant active in Connecticut.
  • Not currently enrolled in secondary school.
  • At least 17 years of age
  • Unemployed or under-employed.

Individuals who meet these requirements and are passionate about pursuing a nursing career are encouraged to apply for the Nursing Career Pathways. This is a valuable opportunity to gain the necessary support and resources to achieve career success in the healthcare field.


For more information and apply, please visit our website linked below.

Apply Now

Building Financial Stability

KeyBank has partnered with The WorkPlace to host in-person financial education sessions for participants in WorkPlace programs. These hour-long sessions dive deep into topics such as banking basics, budgeting, debt management, identity theft, and credit scores and reports.


By integrating practical financial knowledge with hands-on support, KeyBank aims to empower individuals with the tools they need to achieve financial stability and independence. The "Money, Me, and Key" education workshops not only cover essential financial concepts but also provide personalized guidance, addressing each participant's unique financial situation and goals.


Through this partnership, KeyBank and The WorkPlace are working together to build stronger, more financially informed communities, supporting individuals on their journey toward financial well-being and success.

Lockheed Martin's Support Enhances Advanced Manufacturing Education for High School Students

The WorkPlace is grateful to Lockheed Martin for their recent $30,000 grant to enable high school students from Bridgeport to begin college-level training leading to an Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology Certificate. Lockheed looked to The WorkPlace to help them continue their mission to encourage STEM education and careers in manufacturing among Connecticut young people. 


Through a partnership between The WorkPlace and Connecticut Community College Housatonic, twenty students from Kolbe Cathedral High School will earn college credits prior to graduation as they focus on blueprint reading, metrology, safety, manual machining and CNC machining at the Housatonic Advance Manufacturing Technology Center.

Learn More About Supporting The WorkPlace

Success Stories

Health Career Academy

Upcoming Events

Visit workplace.org/calendar for a full list of our events

Health CareeRx Academy Info Session

Every Tuesday at 10 am and Thursday at 2 pm

Learn about healthcare career pathways.

Register Here

Community Health Worker Info Session

Wednesdays at 11 am

Learn about community health worker training opportunities.

Register Here

Virtual Reality Career Exploration

Sept. 27, Sept 30, Oct 1, Oct 3, Oct 4 and Oct 7 from 10a-2pm

American Job Center - Bridgeport

2 Lafayette Square, Bridgeport, CT 06604

Looking to explore new career options? Join us for our VR career exploration event.

Learn More

P2E Re-Entry Info Sessions

Ansonia AJC on Monday, October 7, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm

The WorkPlace Waterbury Office on Wednesday, October 9, from 11:00 am-12:00pm

For more information, click here.

What Our Clients Have To Say


At AIHT Education, we are incredibly grateful for the support and opportunities provided by The WorkPlace. This partnership has empowered our students to confidently purse their dreams and make a positive impact on their communities.


AIHT Education - Medical Training School

The WorkPlace

Programs


Workforce development programs for job seekers and employers.

Employer

Services


The WorkPlace help businesses find, train, and grow a qualified workforce. Learn more.

We're Hiring!

Learn About Employment Opportunities

The WorkPlace is an organization of ideas, actions, resources, and initiatives - all designed to strengthen the workforce. We offer positions available from entry level to management positions and have excellent benefits and retirement options.

Your Donation to The WorkPlace Makes An Impact!

You can make a very real impact on the lives of others with a donation to The WorkPlace. Your contribution promotes equitable access to services and helps provide unemployed people with training to obtain the skills they require to secure employment, increase earnings, and better support families. The WorkPlace is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Make a Donation Now
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1000 Lafayette Blvd, Suite 501 · Bridgeport, CT 06604 · (203) 610-8500