City Program Offers Employment Opportunity to Vets, Older Workers

The city of Newark is partnering with The WorkPlace of Connecticut to aid young veterans, as well as older workers, who have gone through their 26 weeks of unemployment benefits and are still seeking work.

The “Platform to Employment” (P2E) will offer counseling,  training in job search and an eight-week work experience during which the worker’s wages will be paid by the program to determine if an individual is a good fit with the participating employer.

The program is open to military veterans aged 30 or younger as well as anyone over the age of 50. Residents can apply online here (click on the “application to employment” home page).

The deadline to apply is Aug. 2.

“By thinking creatively, developing new partnerships, and reaching out to job-seekers and employers alike, we are empowering residents with new tools to gain jobs and career opportunities,” said Mayor Cory Booker. “We recognize that returning veterans and persons aged 50 and over face unique challenges in the job marketplace, and this program will enable these Newark residents to achieve their goals of prosperity for themselves and their families.”

This year P2E is expanding to nine other cities including Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas and San Diego.  The program is funded by grants from AARP Foundation, Citi Community Development and the Walmart Foundation.