The state is open. Customers are getting vaccinated in record numbers. Businesses are ramping up and are looking to hire staff.
If you are looking to recruit staff, interview, or train - all while trying to get back to business after the pandemic - we have pulled together a variety of resources that can help you get the help you need.
Check back as we will be updating as more events are scheduled.
UConn Fall Fair (virtual and in-person options)
Check back soon for updates
Southington Chamber of Commerce Job Connections
Member businesses are able to list positions available. This is a free service provided by the Chamber.
Check with your local Chamber of Commerce to see what they may have available, as many are emailing their members about available job opportunities.
The state’s Workforce Development Boards offer a variety of complimentary services for businesses looking to hire employees, as well as opportunities to share industry perspective on hiring needs.
On-the-Job Training and Funding for Manufacturers and IT companies
Capital Workforce Partners (CWP) is offering funding and other resources to manufacturers and IT companies in North-Central Connecticut who provide on-the-job training (OJT) to new employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Benefits to Employers: • Gain access to a pipeline of job-ready candidates • CWP will screen prospective job candidates for program eligibility • Employer makes all hiring decisions • Additional funding available through CWP Dislocated Worker Grant through September 2021
Recruitment Support
Screen candidates for qualifications, experience and job readiness.
Hiring Events
Provide space, promotion and support to help meet, screen and hire employees for both small and large-scale hiring needs.
On-the Job Training and Wage Reimbursement
Funds are available to help you hire an eligible applicant with 50% or more wage reimbursement during training. On-the-Job Training is a cost-effective way to staff positions with job-ready, pre-screened applicants.
Eastern CT Manufacturing Pipeline
The Eastern CT Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative provides no-cost training to address the hiring needs of Electric Boat (EB), members of the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (EAMA), and other manufacturers.
The On-the-Job Training Program (OJT) offers employers the opportunity to build their workforce by hiring and training pre-screened candidates with at least a 50% reimbursement of their pay for up to 800 hours while they are being trained to become more skilled on the job.
Employers are encouraged to directly hire the participant upon successful completion of the program. The training program must be at least 30 hours weekly.
On-the-Job Training
Through June 30, 2021: Workforce Alliance can provide employers with grants that offset 90% of eligible new-hire wages while they learn essential job skills through employment. Jobs must be permanent and full-time with a clear career pathway. Eligible candidates may include dislocated workers as the result of COVID-19, low income adults or youth, or participants in sector-based training programs.
Virtual Recruitment Events, Job Postings & Job Clubs
Send job postings to be circulated through the American Job Center network and posted to their Essential Employer Recruiting & Hiring Page. https://www.workforcealliance.biz/recruiting-and-hiring/ ) Schedule a Virtual Recruitment Event hosted by the team or join job clubs via Zoom to share your company’s hiring needs and “meet” candidates.
Skill Up for Manufacturing
Skill Up trains entry-level, adult candidates who want a manufacturing career in the fundamentals employers need. Manufacturers recruit directly from the classes, then build upon basic skills and knowledge with on-the-job training. 90% Wage Reimbursement available for new hires through June 30, 2021! Learn more >>
Candidates complete a fundamental 5-week course taught by instructors who come from industry. They may also complete 7 or 10 week cohorts to learn CNC or Plastics industry skills. This model is based on a successful manufacturing pipeline initiative that has placed close to 2,000 people into jobs in Eastern CT at over 100 companies.
Training is provided by the Connecticut community colleges using equipment at CT technical high schools and employer sites. Candidates are Connecticut residents at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED and are eligible to work in the United States.
Customized and Incumbent Worker Training
Matching grants may be available. Employers can get help training incumbent employees for new skills that lead to retention and worker advancement. Customized training builds a hiring pool with specific skills. Companies intending to hire pay a portion of the cost, while Workforce Alliance matches the funds, secures the training provider, and recruits and screens candidates.
Engage Staffing is owned and operated by The WorkPlace. It offers full service staffing and recruitment services at highly competitive rates and has statewide coverage. For any business looking to source talent, Engage Staffing should be considered, we are a resource and have access to thousands of job seekers.
Platform to Employment® (P2E) as seen on 60 Minutes, CNN, Fox Business and many other media outlets serves the State of Connecticut from four regional based offices and is an innovative solution addressing the unique challenges of returning the unemployed to work while providing employers a new avenue to a skilled workforce. Businesses receive a risk-free opportunity to evaluate and consider hiring participants during a work experience funded by P2E. Over 90% of work experiences convert to business payrolls, P2E is a great way to help businesses secure talent.
ApprenticeshipWorks connects young adults with education and training services needed to enter and succeed in an apprenticeship program. ApprenticeshipWorks is a paid training program of earning while learning. The manufacturing sector is rapidly growing and employers need workers with the right skills. Individuals who enjoy working with their hands and are eager to learn new skills can kickstart a career as an apprenticeship in manufacturing.
The Southwestern Connecticut Health CareeRx Academy provides healthcare employers with qualified candidates in medical support occupations. The Academy helps save the cost of finding qualified workers with proper occupational and work-readiness training.
On-the-Job Training Reimbursements
OJT provides reimbursements to employers to help compensate for the costs associated with skills upgrade training and loss of production for newly hired employees. OJT training can assist employers who are looking to expand their businesses and who need additional staff trained with specialized skills. OJT employers may receive up to 50% of the wage rate of OJT trainees to help defray personnel training costs. As the OJT employer, your company will determine the selection criteria for the OJT trainees. The WorkPlace will identify those who meet the program eligibility criteria. Your company will decide the final selection of OJT trainees.
Recruitment Support
Screen candidates for qualifications, experience, interest, and job readiness. Additional recruitment supports include: Assistance with virtual and in-person job fairs and recruitment events, Distribution of job postings through the American Job Center network and posts a job on CTHires.com.
Employee Training Incentive Program
Provides refundable tax credits and hiring incentives to Connecticut employers for skills training that upgrades or improves the productivity of their employees.
Internship and Work Experience Programs
Employers can build capacity and try out new employees with no risk. An internship program provides qualified students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the workforce. Work experience programs match candidates with employers willing to provide valuable work experience while The WorkPlace covers employee wages.
CTHires.com, a service of CTDOL, allows you to post a job and search for candidates.
CT Department of Labor Employer Resource Guide
Describes the programs and services to assist Connecticut businesses including information on recruiting and hiring services, contact info for business services team members by region, available grants and apprenticeship training.
If you need assistance evaluating the skills needed on your team, or related hiring questions, connect with one of our expert advisors at no-cost.
This program went into effect in May, 2021 to incentivize employees to return to work after being on unemployment. Eligible individuals may receive a one-time $1000 incentive from the State of Connecticut.
CT Care 4 Kids
Care 4 Kids is sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and helps low to moderate income families in Connecticut pay for child care costs. This is a great resource for employees looking to go back to work or school but need childcare assistance.