A new series entitled, “Everyone Gets a Job; Exploring Career and Technical Educational Opportunities,” featuring faculty members and career advisors from Gateway Community College (GCC) will be presented by the Hamden Department of Economic Development and Neighborhood Revitalization (Hamden EDC). 

Topics covered in the series will include workforce readiness for Hamden residents.  Workshops will explore job and career opportunities in the major economic sectors in Hamden and the region.  The workshops will also examine the private sector job outlook now and over the next five to 10 years.  Each session will be taped to allow for online viewing.

GCC faculty and staff taking part in the series include Dan Fuller, professor, Automotive Program; Eric Flynn, instructor, Electrical Engineering Technology; and Adamil Rivera, SNAP Program Coordinator.  Flynn will discuss Science, Technology, Engineering and Math programs at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5 in the Friends Room at Miller Library.  Dates for the presentations on Automotive Technology and Job Readiness have not been set.

Panel discussions will be included in the series, which will take place at local libraries, churches, civic meetings, PTA meetings and at schools.  Workshops will connect the current business workforce needs with all educational and training opportunities. 

“The biggest challenge for businesses, large and small, is finding qualified and trained workers,” said Dale Kroop, Director of the Hamden EDC. “The workforce needs in real time often outpaces the educational resources in any community. These forums will begin the dialogue between all of our partners to ensure that every child has the opportunity for a good paying and satisfying job. It is critical for the future of Hamden’s economy.”

Throughout the series, job training and education offered by public schools, alternative learning programs, and private schools also will be addressed.  Other topics include:

• Healthcare
• Manufacturing
• Vocational Options
• Science, Engineering Technology and Math (STEM)
• Information Technology:  Coding, HTML and Artificial Intelligence
• Sustainability and Environmental Science
• Entrepreneurship
• Job Readiness (Internships, Appearance, Interview Skills, Financial Literacy and Student Debt)

 
The Hamden EDC chose GCC faculty and career advisors for several of the panel discussions due to their expertise in their respective fields, familiarity with realistic career paths, and awareness of the modern job market.  A schedule for the series is being finalized.  For more information on this new initiative and to learn more about the individual sessions or to receive a video of the informational sessions that were recently held, contact Dale Kroop at (203) 287-7033 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..