Guide

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Direct Employer Support

We provide support to employers and business owners through development of workers across our area. Our system offers essential tools to transform and leverage the local workforce to meet the changing demands of the economy, and keeping your business competitive.

Our location inside the American Job Center makes us a one stop shop with access to Business Service Representatives and can assist with recruiting, hiring, training or upskilling their workforce. A member of our staff can offer a range of customized training options to meet businesses' needs.

We are also able to provide information about local and federal resources to assist with business decisions, including marketing, events and economic development opportunities.

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On-The-Job Training / Incumbent Worker Training

Through our On-the-Job Training Program (OJT) employers are offered the opportunity to build their workforce without the large initial costs involved with training and customized training.

We assist the employer by offering pre-screened eligible candidates and pay at least 50% reimbursement of the candidates pay for up to 800 hours (Must be at least 30/hrs weekly) while they are being trained for the job. Upon successful completion of the program, you are encouraged to hire the participant directly.

We also offer training services to help companies remain competitive by updating or enhancing the skills of their current workforce.

The Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board’s Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Program provides federal funds to employers for their current workers to receive  upskilling/continuing education.  IWT supports employees in obtaining industry-based skills or credentials that lead to career advancement and income mobility.

For further information, please contact Thomasina Tatum at (203) 574-6971 ext. 465

Business Services

As a Connecticut business, you can take advantage of state and federal tax credits that reward you for investing in workforce development. From hiring apprentices in the manufacturing trades to providing training opportunities for employees, these programs help you grow your workforce while reducing costs.

The Advanced Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a powerful tool to support both businesses and their employees. This federal program provides tax incentives for eligible workers, putting more money in their pockets and creating a more stable, motivated workforce for employers.
 
Benefits for Employers:
  • Improve employee retention by supporting financial stability.
  • Foster a stronger, more engaged workforce.
  • Enhance recruitment efforts by promoting valuable tax benefits for employees.
We can help your business understand the EITC and ensure your workforce takes advantage of these resources to boost productivity and reduce turnover. Learn more here.

Connecticut businesses can benefit from federal tax credits like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit (WtW), designed to encourage hiring individuals from targeted groups who face barriers to employment. These programs not only support workforce development but also reduce your tax liability.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC):
Receive credits of up to $9,600 per eligible hire when you employ veterans, individuals receiving public assistance, or others in qualified groups.

Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit (WtW):
Earn up to $9,000 over two years by hiring long-term recipients of public assistance, helping them transition into sustainable employment.

Our team is here to assist with the application process, ensuring you maximize these valuable tax-saving opportunities while strengthening your workforce.

Connecticut manufacturers: take advantage of a tax credit of up to $7,500 per apprentice to support the development of skilled workers in the manufacturing trades. This valuable incentive is available for employers who hire and train apprentices registered through the Connecticut Department of Labor.

By utilizing this tax credit, manufacturers can offset training costs while building a highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of today's advanced manufacturing industry. Eligible trades include machining, tool and die making, welding, and more.

Learn more here

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal benefit that supports low- to moderate-income workers by reducing their tax burden and increasing their take-home pay. Employers play a key role in raising awareness about this credit, helping employees achieve financial stability.

Why It Matters for Employers:

  • Increase Employee Retention: Financial stability reduces turnover and fosters loyalty.
  • Support Your Community: The EITC encourages workforce participation and strengthens local economies.
  • Promote Awareness: Inform your employees about their eligibility for this credit—some workers can receive up to $7,430 in 2024.

Partner with us to learn more about how you can help your employees access the EITC while enhancing your company’s workplace culture.

If your company is experiencing financial difficulties, the Rapid Response Team, headed by the Rapid Response Unit of the Department of Labor, can assist in exploring alternatives to layoffs. If layoffs cannot be averted, the team can provide your company with the opportunity to help workers make a more-effective transition to new employment by conducting prior-to-layoff on-site Early Intervention sessions. 

These sessions are designed to inform workers of the wealth of free services that are available to assist them in getting re-employed as quickly as possible. In addition, team members may be available to provide a series of on-site mini-workshops which introduce workers to the basics of conducting a successful job search. All services provided by the team are free of charge.
 

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Regional Sector Partnerships

State and local workforce boards lead sector strategy and career pathway initiatives - regional, industry-focused approaches to workforce and economic development that improve access to good jobs and increase job quality in ways that strengthen an industry’s workforce and connect people to jobs.

Overview of Healthcare and Manufacturing RSP Success

These are partnerships of businesses, from the same industry and in a shared labor market region, who work with education, workforce development, economic development and community organizations to address the workforce and other competitiveness needs of the targeted industry. 

  • Industry-Driven
  • Community-Supported
  • Sustainable over time
  • Active across the country

Led by a convening team of members from the surrounding Chambers of Commerce, a group of like-minded business leaders in Northwest Connecticut have volunteered to help steer a new approach that the State of Connecticut is taking toward economic growth. The NRWIB’s alliance with the Next Generation Sector Partnerships formed the Northwest Connecticut Manufacturing Partnership, the first regionwide, industry-led effort of its kind. Its aim is to promote the benefits of manufacturing careers to key target audiences, as well as provide local education programs with insights on the latest industry trends and curriculum changes needed to train new manufacturing talent.

The Partnership welcomes your participation as an industry leader—or, as we like to say, industry champion! We are looking for champions to join Action Teams to help design and drive the regional campaign and the regional gathering with educational programs.  We are also locking in support from public and community partners, natural allies in helping manufacturing thrive in Northwest Connecticut. 

Together, for the first time in our region’s history, we hope to mobilize a large “coalition of the willing” in a sustained effort to grow the talent pool for manufacturing, ensuring the industry’s long-term success and lasting benefits for our residents and communities. To learn more about the Partnership and/or to get involved, visit www.nextgensectorpartnerships.com and reach out to Helen Brickfield.  

The Northwest Connecticut Healthcare Regional Sector Partnership, launched on March 31st, 2022, brings together over 30 healthcare leaders with the common goal of promoting sector growth and bettering the healthcare industry. It's the first regionwide, industry-led, community-supported effort of its kind in Connecticut.

The partnership focuses on expanding and improving local educational programs, raising awareness and interest in healthcare careers, and making regulatory and efficiency improvements in care. They held a successful event called "Industry Meets Academia" to connect healthcare providers with educators and established three priorities: Building Early Awareness of Healthcare Careers, Creating Experiences to Explore Healthcare Options, and Enhancing the Educational Pipeline into Healthcare.

The partnership plans to continue build a speakers' bureau to engage students and families in choosing healthcare careers, host a virtual reality Career Expo to provide interactive healthcare training, and develop an internship program for high school students to gain experience in healthcare roles. They invite interested parties to get involved by contacting Jennifer Murphy-Pitcher. View photos of our first graduating classes by clicking here.

The Northwest HealthConnect Regional Sector Partnership is dedicated to advancing the healthcare industry and fostering a promising future for the workforce.

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Disability Resources

The American Job Center assists employers by:

  • Providing consultation with employers on reasonable accommodations
  • Coordinating staff training on disability-related topics
  • Coordinating public workshops on disclosure, reasonable accommodations, work incentives and job seekers' rights and responsibilities

Links Suggested By EducatorLabs:

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Department of Economic and Community Development

The Department of Economic and Community Development is the state's lead agency for the development and implementation of policies, strategies and programs all of which are designed to enhance Connecticut's communities and business and housing environments.

We work closely with staff at DECD to develop business opportunities in the Northwest region.

The Connecticut Development Authority offers business assistance including direct & guaranteed loans that enable and encourage companies to expand and succeed.

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Employer Satisfaction Survey

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Meet the Team

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Name

Marco Ramirez

Title

Job Developer

Phone
203-755-5117 ext. 563
[email protected]
Photo of Subsidized Employment Job Developer, Cheryl Olmstead
Name

Cheryl Olmstead

Title

JFES Coordinator

Phone
203-574-6971 ext. 459
[email protected]
JD-NRWIB-Thomasina_9893.jpg
Name

Thomasina Tatum

Title

Director of Business Services

Phone
203-574-6971 ext. 465
[email protected]
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Name

Warren Leach

Title

Job Developer

Phone
203-755-5117 ext. 565
[email protected]

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