Workforce

The rewards of the program are many. Our employees display increased confidence and demonstrate a sense of pride and self-reliance. The company has gained by employees' enhanced job knowledge and performance, and by employee retention.

Today's workers rely on a solid foundation of basic skills: speaking, reading, writing, math, communication, problem solving, teamwork. Yet continuous change - constantly advancing technology and changing job responsibilities - can often result in "skills gaps" that prevent an organization from producing at its full potential.

For more than 15 years, Valley Regional Adult Education has provided a number of programs and resources for companies looking to increase and enhance the skill levels of its employees.

VRAE's NEW Technology Center is now available to the business community for their use. The Technology Center has 16 networked workstations, wireless laptops, presentation equipment and peripherals. VRAE can custom design courses to fit specific needs, offer standard Microsoft Office and Internet training, and provide the physical space and technology resources needed for businesses to conduct their own trainings.

• For 15 years, VRAE has collaborated with local businesses to deliver customized, onsite programs through Partnerships for Progress.
• VRAE created a comprehensive Workplace Education Model adopted by the State Bureau of Career and Adult Education.
• VRAE staff partnered with the Bureau of Career and Adult Education and Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) to develop workplace assessment instruments that meet the needs of adult learners in the workplace.
• In 2005, there was a noted increase in the number of enrichment students being reimbursed by their employers for completing a class. Local companies are encouraging employees to take advantage of this low-cost, local training opportunity.
• In 2004, Bibliomation Inc. used VRAE's Technology Center to train Connecticut librarians on the use of their new library computer system.
• In 2003, Valley Women's Health Access Program used VRAE's Technology Center and classroom for their partner trainings.
• In 2002, VRAE developed a customized "Introductory Spanish" course for the Route 8 Behavioral Health Group.
• In 2002, VRAE provided a customized technology course, "Introduction to Computers," with Monroe's Vishay Vitramon, Inc.
• In 2001, VRAE was awarded Chester Klevins Award for Outstanding Workplace Literacy Program by the Commission on Adult Basic Education.
• In 1998, VRAE was awarded Partner of the Year by The WorkPlace, Inc., Southwestern Connecticut's Regional Workforce Development Board, for outstanding commitment to the Valley workforce.

Click here to see a list of our Community Collaboration Partners.