Economic Development

Bristol Works

ARPA money will go towards workforce development

In order for economic development to take hold in our towns and cities, businesses must want to put roots down in our state. And one of the best ways to do that is through workforce development, a fact that the Bristol ARPA task force is hoping to build upon.

It’s been said for years that workforce development has changed dramatically since the advent of computer technology. In fact, a good definition of workforce development is to meet the needs of not just current businesses, but future businesses as well.

With support from the Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, Bristol is looking into areas that they can enhance these efforts throughout the city.

From an article in the Bristol Press, the Chamber’s CEO, Cindy Bombard, said that they would like to see programs to help jumpstart the workforce on basic manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, and early childhood development. These programs “are intended to provide skills and certifications so that would-be workers can jump into employment quickly.”

The other side of this equation would be getting people into education programs from local schools. They are looking to partner not only with Tunxis Community College but with the local public schools as well.

Tunxis Community College.

Like the famed “Silver Tsunami” that is affecting state government, a wave of retirements is going to hit many manufacturers and businesses who have long relied on a steady workforce comprised of individuals who were raised when these skills were more commonplace. Many times these jobs are now considered specialized.

In the same Press article, Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano describes this issue, and is quoted as saying:

“There’s a huge need for manufacturing, healthcare and IT. We know there are jobs out there that can’t be filled. We need a way to create jobs that will help.”

At the time of writing this article, the town had not officially voted on this use of the ARPA funds, but it seems as if there is widespread support for a workforce development program.

If we want our economic development to be sustainable, then we are going to need a trained workforce. Programs that bring in all the stakeholders like the one proposed in Bristol will make that difference in the future.

The Economic Development section of CT&C is sponsored by New Haven Terminal, Inc. Learn more at: www.newhaventerminal.com