Hartford, Connecticut – January 14, 2020
The WorkPlace is beginning its Platform to Employment (P2E) Re-Entry program in Hartford. In 2019 the state of Connecticut appropriated $800,000 for a pilot program to support returning citizens in gaining a stronger foothold in communities through employment. The program is based on the nationally successful Platform to Employment (P2E) program which has been operating since 2011. P2E is designed to break the cycle of joblessness for long-term unemployed individuals and this pilot will demonstrate it can be adapted to support returning citizens.
The event will be held at The 224 EcoSpace located at 224 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT on January 14 at 10am. The program will provide formerly incarcerated individuals with four weeks of work readiness and career development training. The core of the training will be on life skills and professional development to enhance confidence and improve employment opportunities. Other supports include resources to address barriers to employment such as transportation and childcare.
Following the work readiness program, Platform to Employment Re-Entry will provide a wage subsidy for businesses to have a risk-free opportunity to consider a candidate before hiring. During this trial, The WorkPlace will pay all the candidate’s wages. Whether or not an employer hires the candidate, there is no cost to the business. The trial period is a proactive step toward meeting the hiring needs of Connecticut employers by providing risk-free access to skilled, motivated workers.
“Having operated Platform to Employment across Connecticut and in other states, we believe there are synergies between the challenges people experience with long-term unemployment and people who have been out of the workforce due to incarceration,” said Joe Carbone, President and CEO of The WorkPlace. “This pilot will be the foundation for a holistic approach that will empower individuals by providing the right career resources, a network of support and the confidence to achieve their goals.”
We invite you to attend this kick-off event, speak with state officials and meet with program participants.
WHO:
Mayor Luke Bronin, City of Hartford
Rep. Brandon McGee (5th District) Hartford, Windsor
Rep. Matthew Ritter Majority Leader (1st District) Hartford
Tyrone Abrahamian Deputy Director, Connecticut Judicial Branch, Adult Probation
Joseph Carbone President & CEO, The WorkPlace
WHEN: Tuesday January 14, 2020 at 10:00am
WHERE: The 224 EcoSpace located at 224 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT
About The WorkPlace: The WorkPlace conducts comprehensive planning, and coordinates regional workforce development policy and programs to prepare people for careers while strengthening the workforce for employers. As national leader in the field, The WorkPlace regularly shares ideas and best practices with lawmakers, foundations, think tanks and other workforce development organizations around the country. For more information, visit www.workplace.org