Today, Connecticut Departments of Labor (CTDOL), Transportation (CTDOT), and Administrative Services (DAS) joined the Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI) to recognize a new partnership between labor and state government that brings Registered Apprentices into CTDOT Transportation Maintainer jobs. This collaboration is a first for Connecticut state government and marks workforce development innovation in public service jobs.
The inaugural class of nine Transportation Maintainer Registered Apprentices completed 2,044 training hours over 12 months and are now CDL licensed Transportation Maintainers doing critical highway work such as snow plowing, construction, landscaping, and highway maintenance.
“This Registered Apprenticeship program is an innovative way we can provide on-the-job training to workers while maintaining the workforce needed to support Connecticut's transportation system,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “I strongly encourage anyone who is seeking a new job and who is interested in a position with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to enroll in this apprenticeship program and get connected with a new opportunity that can lead to a long-lasting career.”
“This is a significant moment for Connecticut state government. By becoming an apprenticeship employer, we are opening new opportunities into public service to build a stronger, more prepared transportation workforce,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “This partnership with CTDOL, DAS, and our labor partners ensures we are investing in the people who keep our roads safe and our state moving. Thank you to Governor Lamont for his leadership in creating this new career opportunity for Connecticut residents.”
“This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when state agencies and labor work together to build a skilled public-sector workforce. The Registered Apprenticeship program strengthens our recruitment pipeline, creates meaningful career pathways, and ensures Connecticut has the trained professionals needed to maintain and improve our transportation infrastructure,” said Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Gilman “We are proud to support this innovative effort and congratulate the first class of Transportation Maintainer Apprentices.”
“Registered Apprenticeships are a win-win for employers and workers. Businesses can train their workforce for the skills and expertise they need now and in the future, and Registered Apprentices are employees from day one. They have a paycheck coming in as they train, and when they have completed the program, they’re masters of their craft with portable credentials,” said CTDOL Deputy Commissioner Mark Polzella. “The Labor Department congratulates today’s newest Transportation Maintainers and welcomes them into public service.”
“This apprenticeship program is a win for workers and for the state of Connecticut. It opens the door for more people to build lifelong careers in public service while ensuring we have the skilled, dedicated workforce needed to maintain and improve our transportation system," said Carl R. Chisem, president of the Connecticut Employees Union Independent, Local 511. "CEUI is proud to have worked alongside our partners at CTDOT, the CT Department of Labor, and the state to make this program a reality, and we congratulate the first class of graduates on this incredible achievement.”
Registered Apprenticeships are the gold standard in workforce training. Depending upon the industry area, a Registered Apprentice will train from one to four years—including thousands of classroom hours and on-the-job learning—before being credentialed as an expert in their field. Upon completion of their program, a Registered Apprentice is ready for any state or industry licensing exams. Currently, there are more than 6,500 Registered Apprentices working across 50 occupations for approximately 1,800 Connecticut employers.
“Pre-Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship strategies have proven very successful in meeting both employer and industry needs in training, acquiring, and retaining employees. Registered Apprenticeships are rigorous and quite distinct from internships or corporate training programs; Registered Apprentices must meet high standards of mastery and put in thousands of training and classroom hours before being credentialed.” said CTDOL Office of Apprenticeship Training Director Todd Berch.
CTDOL’s Office of Apprenticeship Training is the only U.S. Department of Labor authorized state apprenticeship agency in Connecticut.
Employers who are interested in pursuing Registered Apprenticeship programs for their business are encouraged to contact the Office of Apprenticeship Training. Becoming a Registered Apprentice begins with reviewing information on the CTDOL Registered Apprenticeship webpage and finding a job at a sponsor company.