Valley Independent Sentinel | Jack Kramer | July 11, 2016
Valley and state officials came together Friday morning to celebrate the grand opening of the new American Job Center at 101 Elizabeth St. in Derby, the second WorkPlace location to operate in the Naugatuck Valley.
The American Job Center is a collaboration of state, regional and local organizations addressing the workforce development needs of the state. In addition to the new location in Derby, there are job centers in Ansonia, Stamford and Bridgeport.
Joseph M. Carbone, president and chief executive officer of the WorkPlace, said the Derby location is convenient for Valley jobseekers looking to find a job or get a better job.
Carbone said the location will act as a one-stop resource for job information, training, and skill development. The center will provide services to unemployed and underemployed individuals seeking jobs and job search assistance at no cost.
Individuals may register for job skills workshops, digital literacy classes, personal career counseling, resume preparation assistance, and skill testing. Walk-in clients can access computers and printers to aid in their job search.
“We want people looking for jobs to ride the wave,’’ said Carbone. “Connecticut is a great state, this is a great region. Our centers are going to get better and better in helping people find a better path for themselves and their families.’’
Carbone said employers will be able to access a number of no cost services including posting of employment opportunities on our job boards, referrals of qualified job candidates from our extensive pool of clients, and labor market information.
State and local politicians came to the Derby job center location to celebrate the opening.
“There’s nothing like a job,’’ said state Sen. Joseph Crisco.
State Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, said the services offered are needed in the Valley.
“This will be hugely successful,’’ Gentile.
And State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, who also attended the ceremony, said finding jobs for Valley residents will always be her top priority. She added that working with Carbone on that endeavor is “such a job.’’
“You always bring such optimism,’’ said Conroy to Carbone. “I wish you congratulations and the best of luck in your new location.’’
Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto joined others in welcoming the WorkPlace to its new location.
“We have, as you know,’’ she told Carbone, “many of your workers right in our City Hall. We are so glad you will be right here in Derby.’’
http://valley.newhavenindependent.org/archives/entry/american_job_center_opens_in_derby/