The $70 million program supports individuals through tuition-free job training, case management, supportive services, and employment assistance.

Statewide and regional programs under the initiative will lead to industry-recognized credentials that create pathways to employment in high-quality, in-demand careers at no cost to participants. Administered by the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy, CareerConneCT is made possible by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

The portal features a curated list of available training programs that will continue to grow as programs are scheduled and new programs are developed to meet additional employer demands for skilled talent. Training programs ranging from five weeks to ten months have already begun, with many more being added in January. Training has been designed based on the hiring needs of employers, with a significant number of employers committing to hire graduates.

“We are building CareerConneCT to become one of the largest workforce development initiatives ever executed in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “We’ve already received significant commitments from employers that are looking to hire thousands of workers across a broad spectrum of high-quality, good-paying fields. This is an opportunity for those who are unemployed or underemployed to receive no-cost training in an in-demand field and get connected to a job opportunity that is waiting to be filled.”

Jobseekers are encouraged to enroll through an online intake portal – portal.ct.gov/careerconnect – that connects them to reskilling, upskilling, or next-skilling opportunities in manufacturing, information technology, health care, infrastructure, and clean energy, CDL, and other high-demand sectors. Once registered in the portal, participants will complete a brief skills inventory and receive a Career Coach to help them access training that meets their skills and interests. Participants also can explore career paths, learning opportunities, and available jobs.

For more information on CareerConneCT, visit portal.ct.gov/careerconnect.