PROVIDENCE, RI- Governor Gina M. Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) today announced the award of 12 new partnerships and $1.6 million in implementation grants to expand Real Jobs Rhode Island (Real Jobs RI). The 12 new grantees join Real Jobs RI's expansive network of strategic, employer-led, industry partnerships that develop customized workforce solutions to address the unique workforce challenges of Rhode Island's high-demand and high-wage industries and expand opportunities for Rhode Islanders.
After issuing solicitation for proposals in January, the Department of Labor and Training received applications from employers across the state. The 12 partnerships announced today will be supported by more than 160 employer partners and will connect hundreds of Rhode Islanders with employment and training opportunities in growing industries including bioscience, energy, finance and insurance, food processing and manufacturing, healthcare and information technology.
"Real Jobs Rhode Island has served almost 6,000 Rhode Islanders, helping them get the skills they need to compete in a rapidly-changing economy," said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. "Our employer-centered model allows Rhode Island employers to directly train future employees for good-paying jobs and is a critical element of our success. I'm thrilled that we're continuing to grow Real Jobs, and I'm confident that these 12 new partnerships in high-demand fields will open doors for hardworking Rhode Islanders."
Real Jobs RI is a state and federally funded, competitive workforce and economic development grant program launched by the Governor in 2015. To date, Real Jobs RI partnerships have developed workforce solutions for nearly 800 local employers, connected 2,913 Rhode Islanders to employment and upskilled more than 2,845 incumbent workers and entrepreneurs.
"We have been making great strides in getting people back to work and growing our economy," said Department of Labor and Training Director Scott Jensen. "This new group of partnerships will boost our ability to continue to grow the program and prepare Rhode Islanders to have the skills they need to remain competitive."
Please see the list of the 12 Real Jobs RI Partnerships below.