Because of a strong economy, projected job growth and a unique location, many opportunities exist for those interested in Connecticut employment. In southern New England, bordering Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York, Connecticut has much to offer jobseekers, workers and residents.
As the 3rd smallest state in the country, Connecticut is easily navigated. Its proximity to Boston, Providence and New York City make it an ideal place for those interested in taking advantage of the benefits of nearby states. Along with New York and New Jersey, Connecticut is part of the Tri-State Region with a scenic coastline on the Long Island Sound. By examining the employment outlook, economic forecast and living conditions, those looking for career options can better make informed decisions about seeking the many benefits of Connecticut employment.
Connecticut unemployment
Connecticut unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) increased from October 2008 to October 2009 by 2.7% to a rate of 8.8%
[Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics]
Connecticut Employment Opportunities
According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, the state is gradually shifting from a manufacturing-based economy to a service-based economy. The job sectors with the most current demands are health care and education services. Specifically, nurses, hospital workers, residential care facilities workers, ambulatory care providers, physical therapists, personal care providers, social assistance providers, early childhood teachers and teachers aids are in demand now, and this demand is projected to grow by 17% by 2016 according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The next area of current need and projected growth within Connecticut employment is the professional and business services sector. With overall anticipated gains of 14% for technical, management and administrative support positions. This area shows a need for computer software engineers, network systems analysts and those in waste management and remediation. The next area of expected growth in Connecticut employment is within the broad leisure and hospitality sector. With overall gains expected of around 13%, this growing area encompasses careers in the arts, entertainment field, spectator sports, gambling establishments, recreational industries, accommodations and food establishments. Museums and historical sites are included, however jobs in this specific area have the lowest number of positions and lowest level of anticipated growth within this Connecticut employment sector.
The presence of large resort gaming establishments provide many jobs in a variety of areas. Mohegan Sun, a resort casino run by the Mohegan tribe, Foxwoods Resort Casino and the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, both run by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, are major employers in Connecticut. The Mohegan Sun, the second largest casino in the world, employees close to 10,000 employees, while Foxwoods Resort Casino, the third largest casino in the world, employees a little over 10,220 employees. According to a 2008 article from the South Coast Today newspaper, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods are responsible for approximately 60% of Connecticut’s tourism.
The casinos provide the southeastern part of the state with a variety of jobs for retail workers, food service providers, security personnel, hotel accommodations, maintenance workers, production staff and gaming table staff, which is helpful information for people interested in finding Connecticut employment opportunities. With unemployment at 8%, Connecticut employment rates are the 21st highest out of all 50 states, according to recent U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. For people interested in pursuing Connecticut employment, there are many viable career areas to consider.
Connecticut Employment Resources
Equally important to jobseekers are the kinds of available career resources for Connecticut employment, and there are several online sources that provide valuable information. Connecticut Job & Career ConneCTion (www1.ctdol.state.ct.us/jcc/) from the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Office of Research offers many tools to help jobseekers locate potential employers, prepare for job interviews, update their resumes, find daytime childcare as well as find valuable article and tips to help people find Connecticut employment opportunities.
The Connecticut Career Resource Network (www.ctdol.state.ct.us/ccrn/ccrn.htm) is another career website sponsored by the state as part of the U.S. Department of Labors’ national Career Resource Network. This site posts open positions, information about training workshops, educational resources and suggestions for job hunters.
Connecticut Career Paths (www.ctdol.state.ct.us/lmi/crpaths.htm) offers detailed profiles of 150 jobs in the state as well as other informational resources to help prepare people for success as they search for Connecticut employment prospects. In addition, Connecticut employment openings for state jobs are listed on an updated website (www.das.state.ct.us/exam/).
For people looking for staffing agencies to help with their job search, there is a listing of agencies by location on Net Temps’ website ( www.net-temps.com/staffing-agencies/CT-Connecticut/1/) which could be helpful for those who want to explore all Connecticut employment options.
Connecticut Living Conditions
Rich in history, diverse in geography and highly rated in living conditions, Connecticut offers many advantages for its residents and workers. U.S. Census statistics consistently place Connecticut in the top tier of states with the highest income rates in the country. In addition, The United Nations’ Human Development Index, which is a measure of a community’s literacy rates, life expectancy, educational attainment, and standard of living, placed Connecticut as the highest in the United Stated for 2008. Its major metropolitan areas, like Hartford, New Haven, Groton/New London, and its close neighboring states, offer fine dining experiences, arts and cultural attractions and many recreational opportunities, making the state is an attractive place for residents, workers and those wanting to find Connecticut employment.
There are a multitude of leisure activities for tourists and residents alike. The southeastern part of the state offers its luxury casino resorts as well as the attractions at Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium. Those interested in outdoor activities can hike along the 52 miles of Connecticut’s section of the Appalachian Trail. Overall, there are many benefits that could make living and working in the state appealing to people interested in finding Connecticut employment.
Connecticut Employment
Connecticut employment projections, a solid economic foundation and a high standard of living could make this state a worthwhile prospect for interested jobseekers. The anticipated job growth in health care and education services, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality services provide an optimistic outlook for those seeking employment in these areas.
The state offers a variety of available resources for people needing career information, local job listings or Connecticut employment tips. This coastal New England state, bordering New York, gives its residents and workers plenty to see and do. Those interested in Connecticut employment can find success by exploring the available resources and opportunities that the state has to offer.
