Young adults can get free job training

NEW HAVEN – Youth and young adults living in South Central CT who are not currently enrolled in high school or college can access free training, earn certificates and find jobs through seven programs now recruiting. All programs are funded by Workforce Alliance of South Central CT, the policy and oversight organization responsible for creating a comprehensive, community-wide response to the challenges of building a highly skilled workforce.

New this year: Project CEO, offered at the New Haven American Job Center, provides leadership skills, access to training, and job development in desired careers that allow young adults to become the “CEO” of their future. Those who nrolled by Wednesday can participate in an invitation-only hiring event in April. See more at: http://bit.ly/Be_The_CEO

In addition to launching Project CEO, Workforce Alliance is funding six community agencies in South Central Connecticut to provide hundreds of youth and young adults between 16 and 24 years-old with tuition assistance, academic help, internships and job placement assistance as well as access to high school diploma or GED completion, as needed, plus guidance toward higher education. For details, visit http:// www.workforcealliance.biz/youth

Participating South Central CT agencies and programs are now recruiting. Workforce Alliance and American Job Center staff work with each program to verify eligibility and follow through on goals. To enroll, contact the programs directly:

⏩ Project CEO: Paid work experience, leadership skills development and support services through the American Job Centers. Classroom and on-the-job training options with a wide range of approved programs and employers. Open to ages 16-24 who are not currently enrolled in school. Program Contact: Kaliuha Spears-Burgess 203-624-1493 x 228

⏩ Children’s Community Program of CT: Be placed in a workbased learning experience or occupational skills training. All students participate in job readiness classes and community service activities and receive job search help. Training options include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Security Guard. Program Contact: Rosetta Washington 203-786-6403 Ext. 116

⏩ Community Renewal Team: In collaboration with Middlesex Community College, Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, and Middletown Adult Education, CRT prepares for and places graduates into employment based on regional employer needs. Includes work readiness and vocational training. Youth who lack a GED or High School Diploma receive instruction to obtain either. Postsecondary skills training at Middlesex Community College includes medical coding assistant, patient care technician, personal trainer, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy technician, security guard, precision manufacturing, Green Technology, Microsoft office or ServSafe food safety. Job placement assistance upon graduation. Community Renewal Team focuses on Middlesex County. Program Contact: Julie Sapia-Bryant (860) 347-6924 Ext. 232

⏩ Gateway Community College: Attend GCC through The GREAT Center for non-credit workforce and basic skills training. All youth participate in work readiness and financial literacy workshops as a part of their overall training. Training options include Business Professional/ Customer Service & Sales, IT Help Desk Technician or Distribution & Supply Chain Logistic Associate with Power Industrial Forklift certification. Program Contact, Tom Gaudioso, 203-285-2300.

⏩ Higher Heights Youth Empowerment: Higher Heights Information Technology Certification Program offers hands-on experiences to students through the Microsoft Academy Program. Students gain up to three industry standard certifications such as Microsoft Office Specialist, CompTIA A+ and Network+. job placement assistance upon completion. Program Contact: Corrine Sterling, 203-498-1087

⏩ Tri-Town Collaborative, Wallingford-Meriden-Middletown: The Tri-Town Collaborative is a partnership of the Meriden, Middletown and Wallingford Adult Education offices. It offers academic support and job readiness skills to cohorts from each town, while also improving their academic skills. Students without a high school diploma or GED will receive one of the following: high school diploma through the Credit Diploma Program, a GED™, or a NEDP (National External Diploma Program) credential. Youth already having a high school credential will immediately enter an approved community college certificate program in health professions, manufacturing or human services. Tri-Town Collaborative recruits a cohort each from Meriden, Wallingford and Middletown. Program Contact: Julie Roebelen (203) 379-2567

⏩ Women & Families Center: Women & Families Center Open DOHR program provides enrollment for skills training at Middlesex Community College (Meriden and Middletown campuses) and Middletown Adult Education. Training selections include Certified Nursing Assistant, Human Services Assistant or Emergency Medical Technician. Work experiences coordinated at sites in and around Greater Meriden and Middletown and other towns where participants may reside or travel. Job placement assistance included. Program Contact: Tanesha Hunter, 203-235-9297 Ext. 131

Community Renewal Team focuses on Middlesex County, and the Tri-Town Collaborative recruits from Meriden, Wallingford and Middletown. All other programs are open to 16-24-yearolds from all 30 towns in South Central Connecticut, including Bethany, Branford, Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, East Haven, Essex, Guilford, Haddam Hamden, Killingworth, Madison, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Old Saybrook, Orange, Portland, Wallingford, West Haven, Westbrook and Woodbridge.

Participation is free for eligible applicants and is funded by Workforce Alliance, South Central’s Workforce Development Board, through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Eligibility is set by federal guidelines.