Cathy Awwad Plans 150-Hour CT Trades Program as Construction Openings Near 2,000
Updated
Updated · Hartford Courant · Jun 14
Cathy Awwad Plans 150-Hour CT Trades Program as Construction Openings Near 2,000
1 articles · Updated · Hartford Courant · Jun 14
Summary
Waterbury could launch the public-facing training program as early as this fall, with participants earning certifications that can lead to apprenticeships in electrical, plumbing, HVAC and carpentry.
Nearly 2,000 Connecticut construction openings were posted in April, while the state’s construction workforce stood at 65,200—up 44% from 2010 but still below the 69,000 peak reached in 2008.
Labor shortages are already pushing up costs: one contractor said he gave 20% to 30% raises over two to three years to retain workers, with delays and higher labor bills feeding into housing and other project costs.
State apprenticeship rules remain a bottleneck for some employers, who say ratios requiring up to three licensed workers per apprentice limit hiring even when firms are ready to add trainees.
Awwad’s program would charge about $2,500 to $3,000, target career changers, veterans and ex-offenders, and share space with a planned 35-unit transitional housing project on the former Sacred Heart campus.
Can new training programs solve the worker crisis if state rules still limit hiring apprentices?
Connecticut is training more builders, but will restrictive zoning laws still block new housing?
Bridging Connecticut’s Skills Gap: How a 150-Hour Trades Program Targets Workforce Shortages in Construction
Overview
Connecticut is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers in the construction sector, with hundreds of thousands of jobs open nationwide each month. In response, the state has launched a new 150-hour trades training program in Waterbury, led by Cathy Awwad and the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board. This program uses the Home Builders Institute’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training model to equip individuals with essential skills for in-demand careers. By directly addressing workforce needs, the initiative offers a clear pathway to stable and rewarding employment for residents seeking new opportunities.