Shocking Truth Revealed: CT is Sitting on 93,000 Unfilled Jobs. But Here's the Real Problem

Connecticut has been facing a staggering number of unfilled job openings, with a whopping 93,000 positions left vacant. In an effort to address this issue, local educators and businesses are calling for collaboration to not only fill these job openings but also to cut red tape and improve the overall business climate in the state.

At the heart of the problem lies the way students are being prepared for the workforce. According to Chris DiPentima, chief executive officer of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), the current education system is failing to provide students with the real-world experience and skills needed to succeed in the job market.

"We're not incentivizing our kids to get an internship or go in their community and work for free when they're in high school. We're not even incentivizing elementary kids to go on a field trip. It's all SAT," said DiPentima. This narrow focus on standardized testing means that students are missing out on valuable opportunities to explore different career paths and develop practical skills.

Beyond the education system, businesses are also pointing to the need for regulatory reform to help create a more favorable business climate in Connecticut. This includes reducing bureaucratic hurdles, streamlining the permitting process, and providing more support for small businesses and start-ups.

The lack of cooperation between educators and businesses has resulted in a skills gap that makes it difficult for companies to find qualified candidates to fill open positions. By working together, educators and businesses can develop programs that provide students with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the workforce.

Ultimately, addressing the issue of unfilled job openings in Connecticut will require a multifaceted approach that takes into account the needs of both educators and businesses. By working together to provide students with real-world experience, cutting red tape, and improving the business climate, Connecticut can take steps towards filling its 93,000 unfilled jobs and creating a brighter economic future for its residents.