Connected Workforce
Connected Workforce
Waterbury features a hard-working talent pool, with skilled professionals that drive businesses in all industries forward. Plus, there’s a variety of organizations and programs dedicated to training the “workforce of the future” in the region.
When asked what they wish more businesses knew about Waterbury, citizens mentioned the strength of the workforce – and the potential for growth – as top items.
WORX Research Study, 2018 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN WATERBURY
Waterbury Regional Chamber 37.5% of the population is between 19-44 years old, and the median age is 35.2 years – a demographic makeup highlighted by hundreds of young professionals who are working, or want to work, locally.
Job Opportunities in Growing Industries
The City of Waterbury maintains a diverse business environment – with significant representation from the manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, financial services, utilities and retail industries. Each offers employment opportunities for local citizens, with training and professional advancement programs.
Workforce Development Collaborations
WORX The City of Waterbury is collaborating on workforce development initiatives with many organizations – including the technical career high school, Naugatuck Valley Community College, Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board and the Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut.
These collaborative efforts are putting local students and residents onto high-wage career paths, while also strengthening the capabilities of local businesses.
Good Jobs Ordinance Places Waterbury Workers
Administered by the Northwest Regional Workforce Board, the Good Jobs Ordinance continues to educate and place skilled workers into the local workforce, by requiring publicly-funded construction contractors and projects to employ a certain percentage of Waterbury residents on their crews. In 2019, 803 local citizens completed occupational training, and 695 of them were placed into positions – an 86% local job placement.
Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board
Watch Now
ONE OF THE STATE’S LEADERS IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSES CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN WATERBURY
Career Connections for Waterbury Students
Many businesses in the region are providing Waterbury students critical job shadowing, mentoring, internships and opportunities for full-time employment. Higher education institutions have also built innovative career pathways: Waterbury Public Schools students can graduate with Associate’s degrees from Post University and Naugatuck Valley Community College – in Accounting, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Legal Studies, Management, Manufacturing Technology and Marketing.
Post University As Dr. Verna Ruffin, Waterbury Public Schools Superintendent, and Major Neil O'Leary look on, Post University CEO John Hopkins (far right) addresses the crowd during a press conference to announce the Early College High School partnership between Post and the public school system, February 2020.
Unemployment Rate Continues to Improve
The creation of good-paying jobs is a key component to Waterbury’s economic development strategy. Over the last eight years, the City of Waterbury has ushered in a new era of economic growth – yielding millions in new property tax revenue, grand list growth, and a reduction of the city’s unemployment rate from 14.3% in 2011, to 5.3% in 2018.
