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.

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

What is a Regional Sector Partnership?
It’s an employer-led, community-supported collaboration that brings together businesses from the same industry and region to solve shared workforce challenges.
 
By joining NRWIB’s Regional Sector Partnership, you’ll work alongside other local employers, educators, and workforce experts to:
  • Shape training programs that meet your hiring needs
  • Build a stronger, more reliable talent pipeline
  • Strengthen your industry and your workforce

 
Launched in 2023, Northwest Connecticut's Manufacturing Regional Sector Partnership brings together manufacturers from across the region who are committed to shaping the future of their industry. It's the first regionwide, industry-led, community-supported effort of its kind focused on manufacturing in Northwest Connecticut.
 
The partnership works to strengthen the manufacturing talent pipeline with the  support of local training providers and educational programs. It serves as a platform for employers to connect with educators and workforce professionals, ensuring that curriculum and outreach efforts align with industry needs.
 
The group has established three main priorities:
  1. Promoting Manufacturing as a Career of Choice,
  2. Enhancing Work-Based Learning Opportunities, and
  3. Strengthening Training and Hiring Pathways.
The partnership invites manufacturers and community allies to get involved by contacting Helen Brickfield. Together, we’re building a future-ready manufacturing workforce in Northwest Connecticut.

Northwest HealthConnect: Healthcare Regional Sector Partnership
Launched in March 2022, the Northwest HealthConnect Regional Sector Partnership is the first regionwide, industry-led, community-supported healthcare workforce initiative in Connecticut. With over 30 healthcare leaders at the table, this partnership is focused on growing the sector and improving care across Northwest Connecticut.

Together with educators and workforce professionals, the partnership works to:

  • Strengthen healthcare education and training programs

  • Raise early awareness of healthcare careers

  • Streamline systems to improve workforce efficiency

Key priorities include:

  1. Building Awareness – Engaging students and families through a growing speakers’ bureau

  2. Creating Experiences – Hosting immersive opportunities like a virtual reality Career Expo

  3. Enhancing the Pipeline – Developing internships and clear pathways into healthcare roles

With successful events like Industry Meets Academia, the partnership continues to drive collaboration and innovation. To get involved, contact Jennifer Murphy-Pitcher and help shape the future of healthcare in our region.

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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

Take the Survey

Meet the Team

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Name

Marco Ramirez

Title

Job Developer

Phone
203-755-5117 ext. 563
[email protected]
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Name

Cheryl Olmstead

Title

JFES Coordinator

Phone
203-574-6971 ext. 459
[email protected]
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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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