Education Alliances
Workforce Alliance partners with educators to assure that curricula match the needs of today’s employers. Many of the training programs that are accessed through the CTWorks Career Centers are offered by our education partners, especially Middlesex and Gateway Community Colleges. Customized training programs are specifically designed for industry sectors such as retail and healthcare.

Our work with the Regional Career & Tech Ed roundtable helps us reach middle and high school students throughout the region. This partnership allows us to reach into the schools with messages about skills and jobs, while also connecting the teachers with the front line of workforce development. Workforce Alliance works to increase the number of Career & Tech Ed teachers in the state through public policy initiatives.

STEM Skills
Workforce Alliance participated in a statewide pilot project aimed at increasing student, teacher and parent awareness of occupations that require STEM Skills. Ten teachers took part in the first round of STEM Experts in School, working at companies throughout Connecticut. Partners in the project include: Workforce Alliance, Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES)/Thomas Edison Middle School, New Haven Board of Education (NHBOE) CT Scholars Academy.

Planning is underway to expand the STEM Skills projects in coming years. CT Scholars has already developed enhancements that are in place for the fall semester.

Business Participation - Quinnipiac Career Connection
The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce hosts a website, Quinnipiac Career Connection that provides a matching service between educators and businesses. Businesses sign up offering different activities, from mentoring to teacher externships or school presentations; teachers are then able to search for the type of industry, type of activity and location of businesses to contact.

The Manufacturing Education Project, which includes the New Haven Manufacturer’s Association, the Greater New Haven, Greater Meriden and Middlesex County Chambers of Commerce, and CBIA, introduces teenagers to the world of manufacturing through factory tours and career day visits.

It is easy for businesses to participate with schools on a wide range of programs. Basic information on how to participate provides details on the roles and responsibilities of all partners.