Raimondo to Host Lunch with Workers Focused on Ensuring Rhode Islanders Have the Skills They Need to Compete

Platform to Employment, which provides job training for the long-term unemployed, is part of the Governor’s continued investments in the potential of our people
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Gina M. Raimondo, joined by Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian and Department of Labor and Training (DLT) Director Scott Jensen, will host a «listening lunch» on Monday at Gregg’s Restaurant with several Rhode Island workers who are taking part in the Platform to Employment (P2E) program.

P2E is an intensive, nationally-recognized program focusing on the specific needs of the long-term unemployed – people who have been unemployed for 26 weeks or more and have exhausted their Unemployment Insurance benefits. Raimondo launched P2E in February as part of her continued focus on ensuring Rhode Islanders have the skills that matter to compete for the jobs that pay.

«To grow Rhode Island’s economy, we are investing in the potential of our people,» said Raimondo. «As Governor, I won’t rest until every Rhode Islander has access to the job training they need to get ahead. This lunch is a great opportunity to hear how P2E is helping support this goal – and to hear how these workers and job seekers are doing.»

Rhode Island is only the second state, after Connecticut, to implement P2E as a statewide initiative. P2E starts with mandatory job readiness training for five weeks including skills assessment, career readiness workshops, career coaching, financial counseling, family support services and lessons on job-placement strategy. P2E gives businesses a risk-free opportunity to evaluate and consider hiring participants during a trial work experience. This intensive approach has helped 64 percent of Rhode Island P2E participants find good jobs and the program’s success rate continues to improve.