Larson Helps Kick off First CT Manufacturing Job Match Event

Rocky Hill, Conn. – This morning Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) delivered opening remarks during the first Connecticut Manufacturing Job Match Event in Rocky Hill. Stressing the importance of manufacturing to the state's economy, Larson praised the joint effort between federal and state offices and local non-profits in making the job match a reality.

"Government is at its best when it's working side-by-side with the private sector and non-profits to help break down barriers and create jobs," Congressman Larson said. "The Connecticut Manufacturing Job Match Initiative will help qualified individuals connect with businesses who are looking to hire workers with a specific skill set. At the end of the day, manufacturing is part of our state's DNA – it's who we are – and this event is just the beginning of a long-term approach to strengthening this critical sector of our economy."

Today's event allowed job-seekers designated as "Track One" candidates - those who have already posses the certifications and skills desired by prospective employers - an opportunity to interview with local manufacturers who are hiring. With a handful of jobs filled through the job match program before the event even took place, over twenty manufacturers participated in the event today interviewing candidates that they knew had the skills they were looking for.

The Connecticut Manufacturing Job Match Initiative was launched last November when Congressman Larson, in conjunction with the State Department of Labor, The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education and Capital Workforce Partners, began the process of asking local manufacturers with job openings to register for the program that will help match them with job-seekers who possess the skills they need. While today's event focused primarily on matching "Track One" candidates, the program also helps individuals with limited or minimal credentials or manufacturing experience gain the skills they need to compete for future jobs with local manufacturers.