July 17, 2010 - PAMELA NABORS ELECTED TO NAWDP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 Washington, DC - The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) is pleased to

announce the election of Pamela Nabors to its Board of Directors. Click here for the press release.

June 17 2010 - News Release - VNA HealthCare Named as Business Workforce Star

May 25, 2010 - Career Exploration Expo for Youth at The Great Hall in Union Station -
Nearly 20  exhibitors from private, public and educational organizations generously assembled to meet some of our region’s future workforce.  The attending students learned about occupations in various sectors and developed insight into business needs.  We thank the participating organizations and individuals.

May 20, 2010 - 3rd Annual Allied Health Symposium at The Mark Twain Museum -

Over 100 gathered to celebrate the Allied Health Program’s successful beneficiaries and dedicated patrons.  Good cheer was as abundant at the festivities as was the grit and determination the adult learners displayed through their courses and training. There were moving and inspiring stories from both program participants and supporters.   We were fortunate also to have a highly engaging Keynote Speaker, Visael “Bobby” Rodriguez, Chief Diversity Officer at

Baystate Health.

May 2010 - Workforce Solutions Collaborative of Metro Hartford Shares in Council on Foundations’ Highest Award for Distinguished Grantmaking - read more

May 13, 2010 - The City of Hartford 's Internship Program (CHIP) Recognizes Employers – Emma Asante of NBC Universal is recognized for her leadership in providing meaningful internships for Hartford students who are focusing their careers on media and journalism. Also receiving an award was Attorney Crumbie from Crumbie Law Firm and approximately 80 students from Hartford Academies of Law and Government, Global, and Journalism and Media. In the photo (l-r) are NBC Community Affairs Director Emma Asante, City of Hartford’s Enid Rey and Rachel Rivera, and CWP’s Anthony Wilson.

April 26, 2010 - Manufacturing and Engineering Employment and Resource EXPO, Goodwin College.
20 businesses and 100 job seekers attended a jobs EXPO focused on area manufacturing and engineering firms and on job seekers with technical skills.  Along with employers and job opportunities, organizations were present offering technical training, education, funding, workshops and new business start-up advice.  Employers and job seekers effectively engaged with each other, and job seekers found particular value in resume critiques by experienced industry leaders.(l-r) Mayor of East Hartford, Melody A. Currey; Senator Billy Ciotto; Goodwin College President, Mark Scheinberg.  See the report...and a few photos!

April 22, 2010 - Partnering with Hartford
Public Schools.  In a unique briefing at the Capital Workforce Partners, Board of Directors Meeting at the Hartford CTWorks One-Stop Career Center, Steven J. Adamowski (left), Hartford Superintendent of Schools, educated the Board on his team’s integrated, hard-hitting strategy for school reform.  State Representative Kelvin Roldan (right) further described the growing alignment with Capital Workforce Partners.  We thank them for sharing a penetrating analysis and for reviewing Hartford’s inspiring progress. Get the details here (PDF).

March 29, 2010 - Jobs Funnel Program Manager, Yolanda Rivera Receives Award to a Standing Ovation of 300 - In celebration of its 10th Anniversary, The Jobs Funnel in North Central Connecticut was led by U.S. Secretary of Labor, Hilda L. Solis, Congressman John B. Larson and a roomful of dignitaries, union representatives, "funnel fans" and participants.  Yolanda's award, as well as several others given, were custom made replicas of the Connecticut Science Center crafted by the Painters and Allied Trades District Council and Sheet Metal Workers Local 40. 

March 2010 - Journalism Intern Gets Experience at NBC - A Hartford Journalism & Media Academy student in the City of Hartford's "CHIP" SAND Corp. program is one of several students interning at Channel 30. As part of the internship experience, students attend meeting with producers and learn the process by which stories are selected to be aired.  Students are also provided opportunities to write for stories.

March 9, 2010 - Sharing Statistics with the Business Community - As an extension of bringing Dr. Andrew Sum's message (below) of the dire straits of youth unemployment to business and education leaders, a presentation was made to MetroHartford Alliance's Senior Human Resources Task Group with a call to action for employer engagement in addressing the negative trends.   Presenting to this group were Joseph McLaughlin of Northeastern University's Center for Labor Market Studies and CWP's Jim Boucher.

February 24, 2010 - WNPR Audio Clip on Summer Youth Employment -
Dr. Andrew Sum's Presentation

February 24, 2010 - Dr. Andrew Sum Shares Key Statistics with Legislators, Youths and Community Stakeholders at Forum - Sponsored by the Youth Committee of the CT Employment and Training Commission and the CT Workforce Development Council.  Legislators in attendance included Sen. Donald DeFronzo, State Rep. Toni Walker, Sen. Eric Coleman, State Rep. Ken Green and many others. The event stressed the need for a "systemic" solution to finding employment opportunities for the state's youths and highlighted some of last year's successes.

• Professor Sum's presentation (PDF 404 KB)
• Meet two youth who testified
• Record Number of Young Americans Jobless - 1/26/10 Reuters Article
• The Report of the Youth Policy Council / Youth Committee of the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission (PDF 3 MB)

February 12, 2010 - Congressman John Larson visits CCAT in East Hartford – The ADVANCE Training Grant Program was launched – a program providing funds for training to eligible aerospace manufacturers to help “advance” their workforce.  The grant is being administered by CCAT and is funded through the Workforce Solutions Collaborative of Metro Hartford, and in part by Capital Workforce Partners, United Way and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.  Interested manufacturers can contact wsumple@ccat.us.
(L-R, Steve Cassano, CWP Consortium; Congressman John Larson; Elliott Ginsberg, CCAT; Tom Phillips, Capital Workforce Partners.)

February 9, 2010 - Media Alert -  Connecticut's Future Workforce - The Crisis in Youth Employment

February 5, 2010 - The Precision Manufacturing Graduation at Manchester Community College – This was a stepping stone for many to a great career. Here is one of the graduates Paul Gyambibi and his CTWorks Career Agent LaShawn Houston.  Paul’s instructors praised him for his amazing spirit and his commitment throughout the 28-week course.

January 25, 2010 - CT's Hottest Industries was the Topic for Career Connections Youths - Brando Guerrero from Nationwide Insurance, shown here was one of nine employers who spoke with over 100 students from Hartford area high schools - explaining where the hot careers are.  Featured industries included: green technology, health care, culinary arts, aerospace, insurance, banking and finance, law and social work.

January 4, 2010– Jobs and Training - were key topics on Senator Christopher Dodd's mind when visiting some Bristol area manufacturing firms - In the photo from ( l-r)  Mike Nicastro, President/CEO Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce; Capital Workforce Partners and CTWorks Business Services Consultant Angelo D'Alfonso, Sen. Christopher Dodd, Gemco President (Southington) Mark DiVenere, President Colonial Han-Dee Spring, Bill Lathrop and Bristol Mayor Art Ward.

December 18, 2009 - A True “Triple-Play” for ARRA - Capital Workforce Partners’ Weatherization Training Program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and delivered through the Jobs Funnel showed off a ‘triple play’ at the Program’s first graduation.  Nineteen individuals received 1)  Real demand-driven training, to provide (2), a greener Earth and dollar savings for area residents, and 3) most graduates have job opportunities waiting for them. One graduate couldn’t make the ceremony because she was already hired.  In the photo is CWP, Tom Phillips and The Jobs Funnel Director, Yolanda Rivera.

November 18, 2009 – CTWorks Satellite gets Warm Welcome at the NEW Adult Education Center in Hartford – The ribbon cutting and facilities tour was led by Center Executive Director Eduardo Genao (3rd from L). In addition to operating 5 days a week, this One-Stop Career Center has evening hours to accommodate students needs, thanks to CTWorks Elsa Huertas who manages this location.  (L-R, Kimberly Staley, CTWorks; Kelvin Roldan, Hartford Public Schools; Eduardo Genao, Adult Education Center of Hartford; Tom Phillips, Capital Workforce Partners; Elsa Huertas, CTWorks;
Judith Resnick, CBIA; State Representative Doug McCrory).

November 18, 2009 – The Manchester Chamber of Commerce joins with Manchester CTWorks
to share the benefits of On-The-Job Training and Incumbent Worker Training for businesses in the region.  (L-R, April Falco, Manchester Chamber of Commerce; Bill Gerlach CTWorks, Team Leader, Placement Services.) 

November 9, 2009 – Tom Phillips Introduces Congressman John Larson - At the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Rep. Larson attended the popular Eggs and Issues Breakfast sponsored by Capital Workforce Partners.  The topics were healthcare, transportation and, of course, workforce development.

October 27, 2009 - New Britain High School Principal, Mike Foran Speaks to CWP Future Workforce Committee -The high school will be the region's first to introduce CWP Career Competencies as a requirement of graduation for its students.  They are taking this bold step to better prepare their students for the economic competitiveness needs of today's businesses. This Committeee is co-chaired by James Stanley of The Hartford and Jason Howey of Okay Industries.

October 22, 2009 - Dream Resume Winners Recognized at CWP Board Meeting - Four Dream Resume winners were selected from this summer's youth employment Tier I and II programs including Taylor Edison whose aspirations are to study veterinary medicine.  Also in the picture (l-r) are CWP's Dennis Mink, Thomas Phillips, Taylor and Gloria Ortiz-Rivera from Restoring Lives Community Development Corp. The other winners not shown - Pravesh Mallik / The Village; Ashley Mussington / Urban League and Annette Brzoska / YWCA New Britain.

October 16 , 2009 –Senator Dodd visits Hartford CTWorks to Publicly Express his Support of Unemployment Insurance Extension and Job Training Services for CT – After meeting with the press, individual job seekers and service providers at the Career Center, Senator Chris Dodd shared the stage wtih CWP President and CEO Tom Phillips, CTDOL's Ram Aberasturia and AFL-CIO's John Olsen along with several unemployed construction workers, to talk about the need for ongoing supports for CT residents.

October 2, 2009 - The Middle Management Institute Launched its Second Year - with 20 representatives from various youth serving agencies in the Greater Hartford Area, who will undergo a rigorous yet unique learning experience over the course of six months.  The management training curriculum will cover a range of topics and highlight strategies to increase leadership development and quality performance techniques.  Students in the institute will meet once month and will gain the opportunity to build their own support network, contribute to educational activities, and receive training from local and regional consultants with expertise in managerial topics.

September 23, 2009 – Career Transition and Exploration Expo – Nearly 200 young adults, who recently completed an 11-week Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program, engaged with 30 exhibitors including employers, colleges, support organizations and the armed forces.  Program graduates were geared up for jobs, a further education and to better themselves.  Unique, effective classroom workshops and “on the job” training helped fine tune their career competencies, employment skills and career plans.  The event was sponsored and organized by Capital Workforce Partners.

September 22, 2009 Out-of-School Youth Employment Transition Conference – At the Hartford Artists Collective, Capital Workforce Partners, partnering agencies and community leaders held a conference for young adults completing the ARRA-supported (Federal stimulus package), Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program.  After the keynote and panel discussion, workforce professionals led small group facilitated discussions.  Groups reviewed strategies and plans to apply recently acquired skills from the program plus how to access enabling social services some might need to bridge the gap to further employment and education. 

September 18, 2009 - "Peace" it Up - Keynote Speaker, Efren Taylor signs one of his books for a youth attendee at the third Peace it Up Conference hosted by Communities Empowering Youth sponsoring organizations, the City of Hartford Office For Youth Services and Capital Workforce Partners. The day was filled with workshops and training sessions designed to reduce youth violence and improve the overall climate in our urban communities.

September 10, 2009 - Interviewing is a "Fact of LIFE" - Here are participants from our Manchester LIFE (Low Income Families Employment ) program - getting Interviewing skills tips from Steve Zajchowski, the owner of People Development LLC.  These workshops are generously hosted by the Manchester Chamber
of Commerce.

August 18, 2009 - Bristol Area Youth Interested in Culinary Arts Learn from the Chef at the Clarion Hotel and Restaurant - Youths from the Bristol Community Organizations's ARRA-funded
"out-of-school" youth employment program completed a food handling certificate program and toured the Clarion Hotel learning about different career paths. Bristol Chamber of Commerce's Cindy Scoville helped to arrange the tour.

August 14, 2009 - Sharing Stories and Learning Experiences - At the completion ceremony for Opportunity Industrialization Center's (OIC)'s Tier III ARRA-funded youth employment program, one youth took the stage to share his story. The Career Competency poster on the podium exressed many of career competencies all youth participants learned in their summer experience. 
Click here for more pictures of the OIC event in New Britain.

August 2009 - CT Puerto Rican Forum - One of the Great Agencies Coordinating Summer Youth Employment Program Participants - and a Worksite Too! - Here is summer intern Lyanne Gonzalez working at her desk. She was extremely helpful in keeping the Forum's Summer Youth files in order this summer.

August 13, 2009 – Hartford Police Unveil Mural Painted by OPP Youths - The mural at Hartford Police headquarters was painted by youth participants of Our Piece of The Pie’s Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program which is administered through Capital Workforce Partners and funded by the City of Hartford and Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. The finished mural took four weeks to complete. Speaking at the “unveiling” press conference was: Our Piece of The Pie’s President and CEO, Bob Rath; Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts; Hartford North Operations Chief John Horvath; Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program Participant Kayla Johnson; and Capital Workforce Partners Dennis Mink.

August 5, 2009 – Hartford Residents Clear Trails in Union, CT- Today, I visited Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, CT for the Department of Environmental Protection worksite of the federally-funded Summer Youth Employment  Program. This program consists of clearing the trails and building picnic tables, cleaning up state parks and fixing and cleaning access roads. Nine youths work Tuesday thru Thursday. Most of  them are out-of-school youth and two of them are in high school. Also joining the youths are Mark and Rachel (Rachel works as a part of No Child Left Inside, a special initiative of CT Governor M. Jodi Rell, coordinated by the CT Department of Environmental Protection). Except for the unfortunate bug bite every now and then the youths in the program like the challenge and the new experience.

Photo and story by Antoine Harris, Capital Workforce Partners Communications Coordinator and

Summer Youth Employment Participant.*

August 2009 – Building for the Future - Dwayne Durrant is working with the Greater Hartford Transit District through the Urban League Summer Youth Employment Program. Dwayne has had the wonderful opportunity to work at Union Station in Hartford. While performing routine office work, he pulled blueprints from a file on request and later teamed up with architects restoring the Station.  He assisted them with inspections, site measurement, and they took him along on a business luncheon.  Dwayne is now thinking about architecture for his career.

August 2009 - Meet Ethan - an Aspiring Engineer who landed a position at Stanley Works Tools in New Britain this summer through HRA and the federally-funded CWP Summer Youth Employment program!  Here, he is helping update their inventory and catalog of tools and parts in the computer.  He has had a chance to see a lot of what goes into production and particularly likes the scientific aspect to this work.  The staff has asked him about his opinions on efficiency and allowed him to get a glimpse of much of what is going on.

August 5, 2009 –Youths Put To Work Executing Social Marketing Campaign Here are a few of the young marketing entrepreneurs learning methods of social media marketing and executing a program to promote Young Studios, its programs, Joe Young's books, and a unique movie project. Using Facebook and other sites, this federally-funded program of the Urban League's part of the Summer Youth Employment program was a win-win for both the youths and the employers.

August 5, 2009 -The Artists Collective held their summer employment program’s annual performance. This years’ program was called the “Rites of Passage” Defining Grace. The program offered performances by their choir, steel drums, the jazz orchestra and their dance teams. The most surprising of performances was the finale when the youths in the program did a tribute to Michael Jackson a well deserved ending to celebrate the “The King of Pop." It was a meaningful end of a great summer youth employment experience for 90 talented Hartford youths, thanks to the generous funding of the City of Hartford and Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.*

August 3, 2009 - Youths get a "Blueprint" on What Manufacturing is all About at SPX - thanks to the Federally-Funded ARRA youth employment program. Three New Britain youths have the unique opportunity this summer to work at one of the region's leading manufacturing firms (and a workforce star honorable mention in 2008) - SPX Precision Components in Newington.

July 24, 2009 - the Hartford Government and Law Academy Students - go "on trial" at Robinson and Cole - As part of the Summer Youth Employment Program, over 40 sophomore Tier II students participated in a mock trial and learned about the various occupations at a law firm.

July 2009 - Urban League gets Summer Youth Employment program "on a roll!" - As part of the Summer Youth Employment Program, The Urban League of Greater Hartford has launched a bicycle repair shop in its main office on Woodland Street.  The participants are responsible for collecting bike donations, repairing the bicycles and selling and marketing the refurbished products.  The program participants are required to complete a business plan, and aims to teach entrepreneurial fundamentals, repair techniques and marketing strategies while encouraging healthy living and safety in the community. 

June 17 , 2009 - Workforce Stars Breakfast Reflects on Last Year's Successes - It was a heartwarming morning, focusing on those "in the spotlight" - job seekers, service providers, businesses and legislators who have used the workforce system to better their lives or those around them.  In the photo above, Enfield Mayor Scott Kaupin receives his award in the legislative category. On his left is CWP Board Chair Rich Cohen and on his right is CWP President and CEO, Tom Phillips.  Click here for more photos.

June 5 , 2009 - Manchester LIFE - Gets a Communications Refresher - The Manchester Chamber of Commerce hosted an informational meeting helping the LIFE (Low Income Families Employment) program participants with their communications skills.  One key message -making a great first impression.

May 21, 2009 - Toni Fatone (r) Receives Honorary Award for her dedication to Health Care Workers - Presenting the award is CWP's Dr. Marie Spivey (l).  For more photographs of the Allied Health Care Symposium at the Riverfront Recapture Boathouse, click here.

May 20, 2009 - Mortgage Crisis Program Training in Health Care Careers - State Representative Ryan Barry (Manchester) (l), is the co-sponsor of the bill that supports training programs for individuals who are challenged with income sufficiency and are in mortgage crisis. Rep. Barry kicked of the region's first Training Forum focused on health care. Carol LaRosa of CHFA, Tom Phillips of Capital Workforce Partners (CWP) and Tom Long of the Workplace, Inc. also spoke before the training began. Also in the photo is Tom Phillips, President and CEO, CWP, and Tom Mongellow, a member of the CWP Workforce Board and Vice President & Treasurer of the CT Bankers Association .

May 15, 2009 - The City of Hartford ‘s Internship Program (CHIP) graduates, staff and supporters experienced excitement in the air as they celebrated the conclusion of another great year!  Graduate Lorena Herrera receives her certificate from Barbara Muhamad. Also pictured are Sereyna Wallace, Enid Rey, Department Director Hartford Office for Youth Services, Tom Phillips, President and CEO and Jim Boucher, Future Workforce Director (both of Capital Workforce Partners) and Judy Gardner.  CHIP is a partnership between the City of Hartford and Capital Workforce Partners. The Urban League of Greater Hartford and South Arsenal Neighborhood Development Corporation provided career competency development and internship experiences to students at Hartford Public and Weaver High Schools. This program prepares youth to enter post-secondary education and the workforce.

April 29, 2009 – Aetna Foundation awards a $15,000 check to Capital Workforce Partners at the third annual Career Connections Career Expo – the proceeds of which will be used to fund the Career Connections program which is designed to help transition high school students to a successful career path and rewarding future. Summer internships in the private sector are an important workplace experience for our youth.

Shown in the photo (front l-r): Tim Lefebvre from Aetna; Capital Workforce Partners Business Services Consultant and event coordinator - Millie Cook; Capital Workforce Partners Board Chairman owner of ShopRite in Manchester - Richard Cohen; President and CEO of Capital Workforce Partners - Thomas Phillips and Ivette Sanchez from Aetna (back) Capital Workforce Partners - Dennis Mink.

April 16, 2009 – CTWorks Participates in Urban League Job Fair at Rentschler Field – there was a large turnout for the job fair. CTWorks workforce professionals provided attendees with information about the services provided at the CTWorks One-Stop Career Center. Shown in the photo: Nancy Curran of CTWorks assisting job seekers.

April 8, 2009 - Congressman John Larson  Visits the Hartford CTWorks Career Center - for a panel discussion on unemployment assistance, and foreclosure resources that are available in Connecticut . Shown in the photo (l-r): CTWorks Regional Center Director – Ram Aberasturia; Executive Director of CHFA, Tim Bannon; Congressman John Larson and President and CEO of Capital Workforce Partners – Thomas Phillips. 

March 20, 2009 $22 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to assist Tri-State rank-and-file workers affected by financial industry layoffs - $2.6 million to Connecticut with $947,370 assigned to the North Central Connecticut Workforce Region - click for press release

February 19, 2009 - CNA students celebrated their completion of their 15 week/60 hour course in Adult Education at Wintonbury Care Center, Bloomfield as part of a grant-funded, work-based education program organized by Capital Workforce Partners. They are looking forward to the next round of clinical education on Issues of Aging.

January 12-13, 2009 - CTWorks on Congress' Agenda - with visits by Congressman Chris Murphy to New Britain (r) and Congressman Joe Courtney to Enfield (l) - and Senator Joe Lieberman visitng Enfield last month - the needs of job seekers are in focus as our Congressional delegation heads back to Washington to support economic stimulus initiatives.

December 24, 2008 - Taking a Break from a Festive Holiday Lunch - Each year our New Britain CTWorks One-Stop Career Center service providers bring in a delectable, home-cooked Holiday Lunch.  Shown here (l-r) are HRA's Nancy Ayer, Marisol Mann and Taina Reyes.

December 23, 2008 - Senator Joe Lieberman visits the Enfield One-Stop -  in support of workforce programs and the CTWorks system that is assisting job seekers.  After a short meeting with Capital Workforce Partners' Tom Phillips (c); Department of Labor CTWorks Center Director Ram Aberasturia (r); the Mayor of Enfield, Scott Kaupin (not shown) and others --  the Senator toured the center and greeted job seekers.

December 22, 2008 - Southington Care Center Rolls Out Clinical Ladder -  As part of Capital Workforce Partners’ CNA Advancement Initiative funded by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) “students” have the opportunity to overcome skills barriers and “climb” the allied health career ladder and grow with their experience and continued education. Shown here are the most recent Adult Basic Education Class graduates - From left to right: Hanna Gutowski, CNA; Anna Apostolou, CNA; Orlando Borrero,CNA; Elizabeth Begley RN,BSN, Capital Workforce Partners; Connie Poitrus, CNA;  Alda Hyska, CNA.

November 6, 2008 – Hartford Hospital’s School at Work Graduates 26 students

The School at Work Program in the region’s hospitals is a continued success, most recently graduating 26 students employed at Hartford Hospital. Four educational categories were offered to applicants with an interest in improving their skills including English as a Second Language, Math,
Grammar, and Computer Skills.

October 22 , 2008 - Sixteen Graduate from CT Children's Medical Center's first School-at-Work Cohort - From basic skills training to English as a Second Language - 16 individuals completed an 8-month course to enable them to advance their careers in the allied health professions.  Congratulations to LuAnn, Natasha, Linda, Dawn, Ann, Isabella, Richard, Maria Riv. Dora, Maria S. Jani, Bozena, Maria Rev., Hector and Cekala.

September 25 , 2008 - Dream Resume Winners Recognized at Workforce Board Meeting -
Students Edward Brown and Chelsea Davies pose with Program Coordinator Dennis Mink after their resumes were selected from over 470 New Britain and Bristol area students in the 2008 Youth Employment and Learning Program.  Edward who was with OIC this summer is an aspiring computer engineer and Chelsea (with BCO in Bristol) hopes to become a psychologist or Social Worker.

September 23 , 2008 - Summer Youth the Topic at New Britain Lions Club Luncheon -

The Lion's Low Vision Center benefitted this past summer from the assistance of two distinguished students who were participants in the Capital Workforce Partners employment and learning program.  Scotty Santa and Marie Cruz helped to translate documentation and greeted patients while learning career competencies. In the photo (l-r) are Cathy Sylvester and Lauren Eddy (CCSU student intern) from the CCSU's Institute of Technology and Business Development and Dave Koscuk and Carolyn Messier of the Lions Club.

August 15, 2008 - New Britain / Bristol Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program Culminates - filling the New Britain High School theater with over 300 youth and parents and sharing their summer experieinces.  In the photo above, Rebecca Washington, who participated in the Bristol Community Organization summer program expresses the importance of green technologies and says she is working toward a career in urban planning.

August 8, 2008 - Urban League of Greater Hartford Drives Career Competencies Home - 75 youths participated in both Tier I and Tier II programs over the summer, learning career competencies skills. They celebrated with the culmination of their 6-week program with a ceremony in which participants shared their dream resumes, focusing on the education and career experience needed for their chosen occupational field. Participants also displayed dream resume collages
at the celebration. (Photo by Althea Webber)

August 6, 2008 - What's Your Occupation? - Hundreds of young 14-17 year olds  had the opportunity to learn about various occupations at the first Career Expo designed exclusively for Tier I and Tier II youth in the Capital Workforce Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program.  The event was managed by and held at Restoring Lives Ministry, Inc. located in the House of Restoration Church in Hartford. Businesses like Northeast Utilities, CT Land Surveyors, Stylists and Fashion Businesses and the CT Police and Fire Departments were impressed with the career inquisitiveness and preparedness of these youth participants. (Photo by Aja Wilson)

August 6, 2008 - Capital Workforce Partners and Our Piece of the Pie lead National Webinar Discussion - Focusing on improving youth literacy and career competency skills, Bob Rath from Our Piece of the Pie and CWP's Alex Johnson llead a webinar discussion with about 300 listeners from across the country.  CEO Tom Phillips conducted a later Webinar on WIA performance.

July 30, 2008 - Walgreens Recruiting at Asnuntuck - Busloads of Support - Over 1,000 job seekers attended the two-day recruitment fair for the new Walgreens distribution facilityin Windsor. This photo includes support teams from the Bridgeport CT and Western MA business teams, and Department of Labor's Mike Bartley of our New Britain CTWorks location (c) who oversaw the 2-day recruitment.  The busses include The Workplace's CTWorks Career Coach, and the Department of Labor's Career Express supplying much needed computers for online applications in the process.

July 31, 2008 - Summer Program Youth Tour CT Culinary Institute - 30 students from OIC-New Britain toured the CT Culinary Institute for an inside look at possible career options for their futures. Although only a few were interested in culinary arts before the guided tour, many students soon became fascinated by all the Institute had to offer. Highlights of the tour included visiting the kitchen-classrooms as culinary students were in the midst of preparing entrees for their assignments, and listening to one of the Institute’s renowned Professors speak about the art of cooking.

July 10, 2008 - Jobs Funnel Masonry Graduates Get a Fresh StartAt the podium, President of Capital Masonry, Rollo Jones, receives warm recognition from Hartford Jobs Funnel – Masonry graduates at the Masonry Training Completion Ceremony held at Hartford’s City Hall. 

July 9, 2008 – A Big Thank You To Ellen Brown - CWP President and CEO Tom Phillips thanks Ellen Brown, VP Human Resources at The Hartford, for her 10 years of service to the Capital Workforce Partners Board of Directors and for her ongoing commitment to youth development and the future workforce.

July 10, 2008 - Fighting Poverty - Capital Workforce Partners, Pamela Nabors (l) and Tom Phillips (r) greet Senator John Edwards at a press conference in Hartford's Boys & Girls Club.  Senator Edwards was in Hartford to discuss his fight to expand economic opportunity and reduce poverty and economic inequality.

July 3, 2007 - Gas Prices Impact CT's Workers - Pamela Nabors, was asked to speak at press event organized by Congressman Chris Murphy) who announced his support for legislation to curb oil speculation on Wall Street.  Pamela addressed the impact of rising gas prices on the state's workforce. State Representative, Tim O'Brien also spoke at the event covered by The Hartford Courant, Channels 3 and 30 and CT Network.

June 4, 2008 - Allied Health Symposium - A festive, celebration of our Allied Health Workforce Advancement partnerships took place at Riverfront Recapture's Boathouse.  The event featured guest speaker, Maria Flynn from Jobs for the Future and testimonials from students participating in School-at-Work programs, Bridges to Health Care Careers and the Allied Health Career Advancement program.

June, 2008 - B.L.U.E. is BRIGHT - Ekimmy Green and Pricilla Rodriguez proved to themselves that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to.  They completed CWP Competency Training at the Blue Hills Civic Association where they increased their computer, customer service, and job readiness skills.  Both these young women feel that the B.L.U.E. program has helped them to become better role models for their children.

May 20, 2008 - Reaching to the Sky - CT Dept. of Labor Commissioner Pat Mayfield along with CWP Pres. & CEO Tom Phillips and Rick Mullins and Tom Lorenzetti of CCSU - ITBD visit the management and staff of 2008 Workforce Star honorable mention, SPX Precision Components in Newington.

Meet Our Dynamic New Britain LIFE team - These individuals, along with their LIFE Coach, Martha Rolon (lower right) and Workshop Lead, Rose Bracero from HRA Energy Assistance (far left) are on their way to a better future.  LIFE stands for Low Income Families Employment, and the program is designed to help individuals improve their careers.

May 16, 2008 - Building the HealthCare Talent Pipeline - Here is the graduates of the Manchester CNA program who are excited about beginning their careers in the Allied Health Field.  They look forward to using their classroom instruction, hands-on skills practice and clinical experience to help those in need.   Capital Workforce Partners funds this initiative. (Photographer: Shelly McKenzie)

May 2, 2008 - Hartford Jobs Funnel Program Manager Yolanda Rivera huddles with her most recent graduates at City Hall.  19 graduates completed an 8-week Brownfields Training program that results in Environmental Technician certification, a great key to open the door to employment and self-sufficient wages. It also helps our community work toward a "greener" and "safer" environment, by having more qualified technicians ready to work.

April 30, 2008 -Career Exploration Expo - Over 125 Career Connections and CHIP (Internship Program) area High School juniors and seniors mingle with over 35 businesses learning about various occupations and possible opportunities for paid summer internships.  This event was held exclusively for students who participated in year-long career readiness education.  The event was held at Capital Workforce Partners home hase - One Union Place.

April, 2008 - Our Dynamics Works Winner for the Month of April - Elyse Perez with Catholic Charities at CTWorks (l) won a portable DVD player in a raffle for Workforce Professionals who have achieved certification.  Elyseearned her certification in Core Services. Presenting the award to Elyse is Pamela Nabors, CWP Director of One-Stop Services.

April, 2008 - Job Fairs, Job Fairs, Job Fairs - April has been a busy month for CTWorks participating in multiplecareer fairs.  Job seekers say it's good to know they have a resource to follow up with after each event.

April, 2008 - Career Exploration for "Enterprising" High School Freshmen - Through the "year-round" youth employment programming these young folks from CREC have been touring area employers including Enterprise, shown here, Travelers Claims University, Aetna and many more.

March 25 - Meet Erika.   Erika is one of our L.I.F.E. (Low Income Families Employment) program who is receiving free training and support to move from a per diem, no benefits job in the automotive industry to a full-time, full benefits career in manufacturing.  The program, in Manchester is one of several launching in the region.  To learn more, click here.

March 20 - This was CREC's 50th Direct Care graduating class.  CREC graduated 11 talented, confident, and capable young women. Graduate Reeva Starks said, " I know this is not college but to me it's an accomplishment!"  many of these graduates see CREC's Direct care class as a stepping stone in their career paths.  

March 19 -The Focus was Economic and Workforce Development - DECD Commissioner Joan McDonald; President, Central CT Chambers of Commerce, John Leone; and Chief Operating Officer, Capital Workforce Partners, Alex Johnson gather after the Chamber's monthly "Eggs & Issues breakfast. Other featured speakers included CDA's Marie O'Brien, CERC's Bob Santy and Bristol Mayor Art Ward.  Capital Workforce Partners sponsored the breakfast.

March 6 -Career Connections Students Make Connections-40 Career Connections participants and 25 Employer Reps participated in this Networking 101 session held at CBIA.  The students were from A.I. Prince Tech, Hartford High, Bulkeley, Weaver, Manchester, Sports and Medical Sciences, Classical Magnet, OPP and Enfield High.  Employers, some with several representatives, participated companies including the Hartford Fire Dept (seen in photo) AT&T, ShopRite, Aetna, Fuss & O'Neill, Whittelsey and Hadley, Travelers, CarMax, AdChem Manufacturing and the Hartford Courant.

February 27, 2008 - Building a Competitive Talent Pipeline- was one of the topics at this CT Business & Industry Assoc. sponsored workforce symposium. Capital Workforce Partners President & CEO, Thomas Phillips, led a panel of insurance and manufacturing leaders.

February 20th  - One Stop Expert Training - CTWorks ws closed for an all day training session led by Career Resources and Capital Workforce Partners.  Deputy Commissioner for the State's Dept. of Labor, Linda Agnew addresses the group of about 120 service professionals.

February 14th - A Valentines Day Open House Tour at the Manchester CTWorks on Main Street.  Many thanks fo the Manchester Chamber of Commerce for helping to organize this successful business networking event.

January 26th - Time to Celebrate! 
In New Britain, Capital Workforce Partners partnered with the NB Chamber, City of New Britain, DOL, and CTWorks teams to provide assistance with Celebration Foods' (parent co. of Carvel) need to hire over 220 workers for its newly built manufacturing facility.  As a result of phenomenal teamwork, and hard-working volunteers from our CTWorks system - over 1,500 individuals signed in for the event (only 600 expected) - nearly all were prescreened and hundreds had interviews with hiring managers.