As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the progress we’ve made together in building a vibrant tech ecosystem here in Connecticut. This month’s newsletter highlights exciting updates, including a recap of our Quarterly Sector Partnership Meeting, details about no-cost tech training programs to grow our workforce, industry news, and upcoming events to kick off 2025.
Thank you for being part of this journey, and we wish you a joyful holiday season and a successful new year ahead!
Best, Patricia Meyer Director, Good Jobs Challenge Grant
TECH HUB WORKSHOPS: ROADMAP FOR AI STRATEGY
On January 17th, join us at HAYVN Coworking in Darien, CT, for the next session in the Southwest Connecticut Tech Hub Workshop Series. Led by Danica Tarin, founder of NeoLumin LLC, this workshop, Roadmap for AI Strategy, will provide actionable insights to help businesses harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Whether you're a startup or an established enterprise, this session will equip you with the tools to drive growth and innovation using AI. Registration is required and space is limited, so sign up today!
This workshop is part of an ongoing series designed to empower professionals with essential skills for today’s tech-driven world. If you can’t make this one, additional workshops are planned in 2025.
On December 11, 2024, Southwest CT Tech Hub hosted its Quarterly Sector Partnership Meeting, bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders from workforce development, K-12, higher education, nonprofits, and local and state agencies. The meeting provided highlights on outcomes of grant funded training courses, an opportunity to hear from a Tech Ready trainee, and a live feedback session that captured the perspectives of regional employers.
Mark Lazarus of The WorkPlace shared training and placement updates, including success stories from trainees who have advanced their careers through the Tech Ready Career Training Program, which equips participants with in-demand skills like data analytics, cybersecurity, and Generative AI. Attendees provided valuable feedback to help shape the 2025 curriculum, emphasizing skills like project management, cybersecurity, and generative AI as priorities for future workforce needs. If you missed the meeting, you can watch the full recording below.
STRENGTHENING CONNECTICUT'S TECH ECOSYSTEM – JOHN BEMIS, BENCHMARK IT
In our latest Tech Hub Spotlight, John Bemis, Founder & President of Benchmark IT, highlights how CT Tech Hub, in collaboration with The WorkPlace, is bridging the gap between emerging tech talent and industry opportunities in Connecticut. As a technology recruiting and consulting firm, Benchmark IT shares our mission of strengthening the state’s tech workforce by connecting recent graduates and young professionals with career advice, job opportunities, and ongoing support. Together, we’re building a strong, sustainable talent pipeline that drives innovation and growth across the region.
Southwest Connecticut Tech Hub, in partnership with, The WorkPlace offers no-cost Tech Ready training to equip individuals with essential skills for high-demand tech careers. Participants can earn certifications in areas such as CompTIA A+, AWS Cloud, and Generative AI, opening doors to opportunities with top regional employers.
We encourage you to share this initiative within your network to help us reach potential candidates. The next Tech Ready Career Training Info Session is scheduled for December 19, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. This brief virtual session is the perfect first step to explore the program, learn about certifications and job placement support, and determine if it’s the right fit for you or someone you know.
Connecticut Quantum Computing Partnership Advances in National Competition Published by Hartford Business Journal QuantumCT moves to the next stage in the National Science Foundation competition, with the potential to secure $160 million to advance quantum computing and workforce development in Connecticut.
Skills-Based Hiring Gains Momentum for Entry-Level Roles Published by NACE Nearly two-thirds of employers now prioritize skills and competencies over traditional metrics like GPA, reshaping hiring practices for recent college graduates.
Good Jobs Challenge Places 12,000 Workers in Quality Jobs Published by U.S. Department of Commerce The Good Jobs Challenge has trained and placed 12,000 workers into high-paying jobs, empowering underserved communities and strengthening local economies across the U.S.
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Thank you to the following organizations for supporting the Southwest CT Tech Hub:
Advance CT · Airbornway Corporation · Analytic-Aware LLC · Bank of America · Benchmark IT · Blueprint Business Consulting · Business-Higher Education Forum · Charles IT · Charter Oak State College · City of Stamford · Deloitte · GE Appliances · George Comfort & Sons · Havyn Coworking · IBM · Indeed · Interactive Brokers · Janus Associates · KJM Textiles · McKinsey · Merrill · Neolumin · NBC Sports · Nuvance· Office of Workforce Strategy · PreRound · Priceline · Renquiry · Scala Computing · SDG Corp · Silicon Valley in Your Pocket · Social Venture Partners · Software Development Resources · Southern Connecticut State University · Sparks Policy Group · Stamford Health · Synchrony · The Workplace · Thorney Advisors · UCONN
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number ED22HDQ3070186, awarded to the State of Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy by the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration.
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