Connecticut Veterans To Benefit

From Employment Grant

Grants of more than $7.5 million will provide roughly 3,000 veterans with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers. The grants, awarded through the US Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program, include a $500,000 grant to The Workplace Inc in Bridgeport.

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said, “No one pays a higher price for our freedom than our veterans, and I am committed to providing them the job training and reemployment assistance they need and deserve. The grants will provide our veterans with tools and skills that will ensure they are prepared for the green jobs of today and tomorrow.”

Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. Emphasis will be placed on training veterans who are interested in “green jobs.” Employment fields include renewable or efficient energy, modern electric-power development, and clean vehicles. View more information regarding this initiative at www.doleta.gov and look for “green jobs.” Additional information is also available at www.dol.gov/vets.

The grants will help veterans from targeted groups overcome employment barriers and ease transition into unsubsidized jobs. Through this program, veterans receive skills assessments, job counseling, labor-market information, classroom or on-the-job training, retraining, and placement assistance and follow-up services. The Labor Department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Services expects these grants to provide training for more than 3,000 veterans, who also may be eligible for services through other Workforce Investment Act programs for economically disadvantaged workers.

Grantees under this program network and coordinate their efforts with various local, state, and federal service providers.