State Encourages More Diversity Across Skilled Trades to Boost Workforce

Careers in the trades can offer a rewarding job with good pay and opportunities for growth.  That fundamental reality explains why Connecticut is looking to better connect the potential career paths of job seekers with the increasing need amongst employers for individuals qualified in the skilled trades.

An initiative announced this week by Gov. Lamont and top state officials is focused around a newly published step-by-step informational guide to pursuing a career in the skilled trades that aims to promote a more diverse workforce, and support women and historically disadvantaged groups in finding stable employment and higher wages. 

The effort is seen as a key element in Connecticut’s efforts to recover from the economic downturn of the COVID-19 pandemic. The interactive guide was written and produced by the Department of Consumer Protection, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Labor, the State Department of Education, and current and former tradespeople, according to state officials.

It was originally created as part of DCP’s contribution to the work of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, chaired by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and with the intent to include information and resources for people of all gender identities and historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

“Our economy works at its best when we have a diverse workforce that is prepared and supported in the career they choose,” Governor Lamont said. “That’s why I’m pleased that we’ve taken the step to release this guide, and I’m happy to have the participation of students and tradespeople in today’s event. Building a stronger, more diverse workforce is a crucial part of our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re committed to continuing to think creatively in partnership with all of our state’s communities to make that goal a reality.”

The 27-page guide explains that “A number of industries are growing rapidly and looking for more people with the right training to begin careers in fields such as electrical, elevators and conveyors, fire protection sprinkler and Ansul® systems, plumbing and lawn irrigation, heating, cooling and sheet metal, and glazier automotive and flat glass.”

The Governor’s Workforce Council, in a report issued last fall, pointed out that “when we discuss workforce issues we usually talk about the ‘skills gap’, as if a motivated person plus skills training equals success. But this ignores the dynamics of multi-generational poverty, including racial, age and gender discrimination and the lack of equitable access to educational opportunities for too many job seekers. Instead, we should be talking about closing the opportunity gap, not just a skills gap. There is too much talent out there ready to be unleashed for us to do otherwise.”

In this week’s announcement, officials noted that Connecticut’s technical high schools have the ability to lift families out of poverty in just one generation by providing students with the skills to secure well paying, in-demand jobs.   Jeffrey Wihbey, superintendent of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, said “Regardless of race, gender, or cultural background, anyone can benefit from this model of education and we welcome diversity in our student body. Different perspectives help enrich our schools and strengthen our state’s workforce.”

The guide, Careers in the Trades, is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Korean, Chinese, and Polish, as part of the outreach to communities throughout the state.

“We recognized a need for an accessible and comprehensive resource to encourage a broader group of people to pursue careers in the skilled trades,” DCP Commissioner Michelle Seagull said. “We also heard from women who worked in the trades who said people considering a career in the trades would benefit from basic information necessary to succeed in a skilled trade such as resources to assist with childcare, transportation, and access to appropriate tools and safety clothing. We hope that these resources can help people pursue careers that lead to stable employment and higher wages.”