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Career Center To Open At Hartford Public Library

By BRIAN DOWLING

July 03, 2012

A career center is opening at the Hartford Public Library's downtown location, the 18th jobs location in Connecticut but the first in a public library.

The center, designed to broaden residents' access to job-seeking resources and helping businesses meet potential employees, will oepn July 9, as CTWorks @ HPL.

The state's existing 17 career centers are a partnership between the state Department of Labor and local workforce boards. The library location, working with Capital Workforce Partners, will not have state employees directly.

"With impending workforce shortages in healthcare, manufacturing and other industry sectors, we need to equip Hartford's talent pipeline with the skills they need," said Thomas Phillips, CEO of Capital Workforce Partners. "Now it will be even easier for individuals, especially in the south and west ends of the city to get the guidance and training services they may need to assist them with their job search and career development."

The center will provide skills assessments, job search assistance, career plan development, resume help, counseling services and job referrals. Its services aim to further career goals for unemployed, underemployed and employed residents.

"For the first time ever, we will offer the full continuum of employment resources, from literacy classes to recruitment services, all in one place," said Matt Poland, the library's CEO.

Two career agents will staff the center weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm, starting July 9.