Issue Overview
Connecticut’s economic success will ultimately depend on its ability to consistently produce a highly skilled workforce with the prerequisite basic and technical skills needed for the 21st century economy.
Given the economic downturn of both the country and our state, it is imperative that current workers and those that are unemployed are provided with training opportunities to help them maintain their jobs - or get them back into the labor force.
Access to education and training must be increased.
Currently, many individuals who stand to benefit the most from state or federal financial aid are not eligible for such programs, turning these opportunities into impossibilities.
Connecticut must train its workforce to fill jobs that exist.
A substantial number of students are being educated or trained for jobs that are not readily available. Connecticut’s training and education opportunities must be aligned with current employment opportunities and future job projections.
The state must invest in training and education programs among employers and workforce development systems.
Connecticut currently spends comparatively little on workforce training - a mere sixteen cents per worker. We must increase this amount to compete with neighboring states and provide the workforce education that will ensure the future economic security of all.
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