Our History
The Campaign for a Working Connecticut was originally devised in 2005 as a response to the state’s changing economic climate. It had become important to stimulate the legislature and link various funding streams to address prominent issues - first and foremost, the mismatched skills of Connecticut’s workforce to its job opportunities.
On September 15, 2005, a group of approximately 30 people met to identify the needs of the state and discuss the possibility of forming a coalition. Early in 2006, the resulting Campaign for a Working Connecticut coalition met for a day-long retreat, where the Campaign’s five focal points were established:
- Basic skills education for adults
- Occupational training for those moving off of public assistance
- Educational assistance so that adults can obtain industry-demanded credentials
- Career services to connect job seekers to employers
- Training to help current workers adapt to changing demands in a changing labor market
In 2007, the Campaign’s $9.5 million proposal went before the legislature with a group of twenty supporters, including both providers and individuals who have received assistance in education and job training.
In 2008, the Campaign appeared before the Appropriations committee with a letter signed by 60 Connecticut employers.
Over the past year, CWCT has seen several Op-Eds published in local papers, co-sponsored the Prospering Communities/Thriving Families conference, and prepared a booklet of testimonials from individuals, administrations and representatives, citing the effectiveness and importance of workforce training and education programs.
The Campaign has engaged members in federal advocacy in partnership with The Workforce Alliance, participating in conferences in Washington, D.C. in both February and September. Three Campaign members were selected for The Workforce Alliance’s advisory council and participated in sessions to develop a coordinated message on workforce development.
CWCT has continued to bridge traditional divides, formally adding one employer, four labor unions, eight organizations and sixty individuals to its roster.