Sector-Based Training

To fill thousands of open jobs, high-growth industries need applicants who can hit the ground running.

This underscores the critical need for short-term, sector- based training — where individuals earn industry-recognized credentials that lead directly to quality jobs.

This type of training makes individuals immediately employable, and enables them to earn “stackable” credentials that can build upon one another and could, with further study, lead to an associate or bachelor’s degree, which may be necessary for career advancement.

We are building short-term job training that meet the needs of high-growth industries. Developing short-term job training opportunities that meet the needs of job seekers and employers requires comprehensive efforts, including:

• Accessible information about career opportunities and skill requirements;
• Clear career progression with stackable credentials that provide immediate value with the opportunity to build toward additional credentials and/or degrees;
• Flexible learning options accommodating work and family responsibilities;
• Support services addressing practical barriers like child care, transportation, and housing security;
• Durable skills development building communication, teamwork, adaptability, and professionalism for lasting career success; and
• Hands-on work experiences through internships and pre-apprenticeships to develop job-specific technical skills.

Career ConneCT empowers unemployed and underemployed Connecticut residents to transform their futures. This $70 million initiative, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, has provided 19 strategic grants to Workforce Development Boards and community organizations statewide, providing not just free training but also case management and essential supports – including transportation, housing, and child care, that remove barriers to participation in training.

The program is seeing unparalleled results. From its program launch in November 2022 through March 31, 2025, Career ConneCT’s has demonstrated a strong ROI: 

• Number of people served: 7527 
• Number of people enrolled in training:  6032 (107% of goal) 
• Number of individuals completing training:  4844 (99.6% of goal) 
• Number of people employed:  3270 (77% toward goal) 

The Career ConneCT portal serves as a single-entry point for broad recruitment, data collection, and reporting. The portal includes a “skills inventory”(assessment), connection to a career coach, training opportunities, and jobs. To ensure Career ConneCT reaches individuals with the greatest need, the initiative features a culturally responsive media campaign focused on communities with limited access to workforce resources and support services.

Registered apprentices earn while they learn, mastering a trade through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Connecticut has a customized Registered Apprenticeship training program across many occupations, including skilled trades, manufacturing technicians, certified nurses and nurse assistants, and teachers and child care providers. As of February 2025, 7,300 workers are Registered Apprentices working for about 1,800 companies.

The Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (MPI) program addresses a critical workforce need by providing no-cost training tailored to the specific hiring requirements of Electric Boat, members of the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance Regional Sector Partnership (EAMA RSP), and other manufacturers.

During an intensive five-week program, participants master manufacturing terminology, hands-on tool skills, and workplace expectations. The program’s comprehensive support system—including attendance-based stipends, mileage reimbursement, and work boots and apparel—allowed participants to focus entirely on his training.

• 90% of MPI Students Successfully Completed the Training Program
• 93% Job Placement rate for Training Completers
• 4000+ Participants placed in Quality Jobs (EWIB, 2024)

Since 2015, the Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF) has strengthened the state’s industrial competitiveness through targeted investments in equipment and workforce development.

By the end of fiscal year 2024, the MIF had committed over $17.7 million to help ~600 manufacturers defray the costs of upskilling over 29,000 employees in advanced technologies and lean manufacturing processes. The program helps Connecticut manufacturers respond to rapidly changing market demands, enabling them to upskill their existing workforce as needs evolve and promote from within.

Twin brothers Jordan and Justin had early experience with the trades, helping their grandfather who owned a construction business, build porches and sheds. When they heard that the Connecticut State Building Trades Training Institute (CSBTTI) was hosting a career fair at their local library featuring unionized registered apprenticeship training programs, they both decided to attend. They signed up for CSBTTI’s apprenticeship readiness training program, supported through Career ConneCT grant funds.

The program provided OSHA, CPR, first aid, and a math refresher course, as well as durable skills like time management and teamwork. CSBTTI supported the twins by providing them with stipends while they attended training.

When they completed training, the brothers, with guidance from CSBTTI case management staff, applied and were accepted to the Electricians Local 35 Registered Apprenticeship training program. Using grant funding, CSBTTI provided them with the work tools they needed as apprentices. Today, they are in the second year of their five-year program and on their way to earning their electrician license.

“Training helps prepare you for what it’s actually like in the trades and what it could be like out in the field. I also believe it gives an extra boost for your interview and resume because they can see that you are committed to becoming a good tradesman. I love what I’m doing and look forward to a future as a licensed electrician.” - Jordan, Career ConneCT