The WorkPlace today announced that, in partnership with Lyft, it is providing access to free or discounted rides to trainees in the ApprenticeshipWorks program. The partnership provides a valuable resource enabling program participants to access training, attend job interviews and begin new careers.
State Representative Kara Rochelle (D – Ansonia, Derby) initiated this partnership between The WorkPlace and Lyft after seeing the challenges residents face as they try to get back into the workforce.
ApprenticeshipWorks is available in southwest Connecticut and provides training to address the shortage of skilled workers in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Trainees receive access to career coaching, workforce readiness training, resume, interview, and job search assistance, occupational skill training and certifications as well as supportive services at no-cost.
Lyft began providing access to free and discounted rides to ApprenticeshipWorks in November 2021 and has already supported several trainees to overcome transportation barriers to jobs. The collaboration is part of Lyft’s Jobs Access Program, which provides access to affordable and reliable transportation for individuals to get to job training programs, interviews, or their place of work.
The WorkPlace is distributing Lyft ride credits to help low-income job seekers with transportation to skill training and interviews, breaking down a significant barrier to career pathways. “Thousands of Connecticut residents are underemployed, out of work, and can’t access reliable transportation,” said Joe Carbone, President and CEO of The WorkPlace. “We are incredibly thankful for the support provided by Lyft to our trainees, and I am confident it will provide life-changing opportunities for families in our region.”
“I’m excited for this initiative bringing Lyft and The WorkPlace together to help our residents better access job training opportunities to get our community back to work. This program will address the transportation-related obstacles that many jobseekers face as they pursue avenues to advance their skills and secure good-paying jobs. A huge thank you goes to Lyft and The WorkPlace for collaborating with me on this effort for the people of the Valley.” said Rep. Rochelle.
“Transportation can be a major barrier for millions of Americans across the country looking to get a job, especially in underserved communities,” said Brendan Joyce, Community Engagement Manager for Lyft in New England. “We’re proud to partner with The WorkPlace to support equitable transportation for those who need it most.”
Apprenticeship programs provide a non-traditional pathway to a career in a skilled trade. To learn more about ApprenticeshipWorks, visit www.workplace.org.
