“Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program” (VWIP) Opens, Seeks Recruits

Jan. 27, 2010 - PRLog -- Bridgeport, CT

The WorkPlace, Inc. has been awarded a $500,000 grant to provide “green” educational opportunities to veterans in Southwest and South Central Connecticut.  The 1-year grant is from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Workforce Investment Program.

The Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program will provide veterans with job training and re-employment assistance at no cost.  In-demand fields of employment include energy efficiency and renewable energy, weatherization, BPI, energy audition and other green related jobs.  Eligibility requirements apply.  National and state certifications are included.  The program is actively seeking participants and training will begin soon.

To achieve the goals of the grant, The WorkPlace, Inc. will focus on:

- supporting military veterans to achieve their educational and professional goals with a focus on the green jobs sector

- developing pathways and programs that will assist military veterans in overcoming employment barriers and ease their transition into jobs

Through this program, veterans receive skills assessments; individual job counseling, labor-market information; classroom or on-the-job training; skills upgrading and retraining; and placement assistance, and follow-up services.  It is expected that participants who successfully complete the training program in Southwestern Connecticut will be placed in green jobs at an average hourly rate of $15-$17.  

All veterans, especially recently returning veterans, interested in receiving job training at no cost are encouraged to speak with Program Managers, Carlo Leone at 203-610-8518 or Jose Diaz at 203-624-1493, ext. 269.

For more information about the “Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program”, visit www.workplace.org/vets.asp

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The WorkPlace, Inc., Southwestern Connecticut’s Regional Workforce Development Board helps people prepare for careers and strengthens the workforce for employers in Southwestern Connecticut.

Our mission is to develop a well-educated, well-trained and self-sufficient workforce that can compete in the changing global marketplace.