Nationally Recognized Program Putting Connecticut’s Long Term Unemployed Back to Work
The WorkPlace announces the graduation of participants from the Platform to Employment (P2E) program, nationally recognized for addressing the specific needs of long-term unemployed workers. In 2017, the Connecticut legislature approved funding for a state-wide Platform to Employment program to help the long term unemployed get back to work. Since its inception, P2E has helped over 1,000 Connecticut residents find employment. This success has led to replication in more than a dozen states across the country.
P2E begins with a five-week preparatory program that helps participants confront the barriers to employment. During the preparatory program participants receive coaching, learn effective interview and communication techniques, participate in workshops on emotional well-being and acquire new job search skills. After completing the program, P2E assists participants in finding employment. Placements are made on a trial basis and wages are paid by P2E. The expectation is that a fulltime job will result if the employer is satisfied with the performance of the candidate.
“P2E was loaded with great advice, practical techniques, advantageous networking and no coddling,” said Shandra Faulk, P2E Graduate from New Haven. “They prepared each of us to identify and pursue the job that would bring financial and emotional security to our lives and return our sense of self-worth. Today I am happily employed after two years of unemployment at the perfect job for me and my family.”
In the most recent program year, 80% of participants who completed the preparatory program have found work with local employers. Graduates represent the diverse demographics of the state and share a common desire to help one another, promote opportunity and overcome the challenges of long-term unemployment.
WHO:
Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, State of Connecticut
State Senator Kevin Kelly, 21st District, Monroe, Seymour, Shelton and Stratford
State Senator George Logan, 17th District, Ansonia Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck
and Woodbridge
State Representative James Albis, 99th District, East Haven
State Representative Larry Butler, 72nd District, Waterbury
State Representative Gary Byron, 27th District, Newington
State Representative Kim Rose, 118th District, Milford
State Representative Michael Winkler, 56th District, Vernon
Joseph M. Carbone, President and CEO, The WorkPlace
Jean Barlage, Graduate, Platform to Employment
WHAT: State-Wide Graduation for Platform to Employment Program
WHERE: State Capitol Building, Old Judiciary Room
WHEN: Thursday, March 22, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
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