2020 has been an unprecedented year that has challenged every Rhode Islander. However, our challenges today will not prevent us from working towards opportunities for tomorrow.
We’re proud to have worked with the State of Rhode Island as well as hundreds of different employers, organizations, community partners and candidates to create a better tomorrow.
In 2020, our impact went further than our highest expectations…
Helping Rhode Islanders Get Back to Work
Partnering with the Department of Labor & Training, we launched a Back to Work portal where active job seekers could find immediate job and training opportunities and employers from around the State were able to post their open positions.
“I found SkillsRI on Facebook and decided to take a leap of faith. My recruiter, Carolyn, was incredible. She listened to my concerns and needs, and she gave me the ease and confidence to feel like I could move on from my previous job and that I had options to create a better life for myself. ”
-Cheri W., AAA Northeast
Over 475 High School & College Students Complete Rhode Island's COVID-19 Innovation Challenge
SkillsRI conceptualized, designed and launched an entirely reimagined high school summer internship program for 2020, the seven-week COVID-19 Innovation Challenge. Over $100,000 in scholarship dollars were awarded!
Rida J, PrepareRI High School Internship Program
“PrepareRI has really helped me develop skills that I don't get to develop at school. Working with a team and managing a corporation as the CEO was an incredible learning experience in terms of leadership and teamwork. I have also built amazing relationships with my co-workers, mentors, and supervisors…”
Jackson K., PrepareRI COVID-19 Innovation Challenge
"For me the Internship was a beautiful blend of work experience through exposure to real corporations and real problems and of character development though mentorships, reflection, and daily seminars in everything from "Failing Forwards" to Creativity. PrepareRI is so much more than just a summer job, it's a program that gives you skills and tools to forge a better future…"
SkillsRI Continued Breaking Down Barriers to Economic Opportunity
Average Wage Grows to $17.85/hr
Our agency is driven by a vision of Rhode Island where every individual has the opportunity to obtain economic mobility through meaningful employment, and in turn transform his or her life.
We are proud to share that through our hiring and training partners, the average wage of a candidate who was placed through Skills for Rhode Island’s Future was $17.85/ hour. While there’s more work to be done, we’re trending in the right direction.
“Take that big leap and you never know what’s there until you try. It might be a little scary at first but once you get out there and you realize there’s other stuff it’s amazing for your future growth.”
– Lacey C., TTEC
Over 1,000 Shifts Worked Through SkillsRI's Congregate Care Dispatch/Staffing Program
Over 1,000 shifts have been claimed in the SkillsRI dispatching/staffing program, offering congregate care facilities the support they need and providing Rhode Island healthcare heroes the increased wages they deserve.
We are proud to share that through our hiring and training partners, the average wage of a candidate who was placed through Skills for Rhode Island’s Future was $17.85/ hour. While there’s more work to be done, we’re trending in the right direction.
“For anyone seeking the tools needed to successfully navigate today’s job market, this workshop does that and more! The speakers are engaging, caring, and highly skilled at their craft. The content is cutting edge and the group participation invaluable.”
– Gerard “Jerry” Noel, Ready.Set.Work! Training Program
SkillsRI & Honeywell Partner to Train & Employ Hundreds for N95 Mask Production
Major manufacturer Honeywell ramped up production of critically needed N95 Masks in their Smithfield, RI production facility.
SkillsRI partnered with Honeywell throughout the year, connecting 191 candidates for direct hire opportunities, as well as piloting a train-to-hire opportunity with ESL classes for Spanish-speaking individuals.
“I moved to the US from Nigeria in 2019, and I was home without a job when COVID-19 hit. While watching TV one day, I heard Governor Gina Raimondo asking for people to come out and help make N95 face masks for healthcare workers, and I decided I wanted to make an impact. I contacted SkillRI to become a volunteer, and within a week, they emailed me to let me know I could work at Honeywell making masks, and I could get paid to do it! ”
– Funmilayo O., Honeywell
Milestone Reached: Over 10,000 Candidates Have Received SkillsRI Career Enhancement Services
SkillsRI celebrated the 10,000th candidate to have received career enhancement services, a critical step to supporting candidates. We’re deeply honored to have the opportunity to work with each and every individual who comes through SkillsRI.
“Knowing someone is advocating for you during your job search can make a world of difference.”
– Dana L., SkillsRI Candidate
SkillsRI & Partners Help Launch Major Statewide Diversity and Disabilities Hiring Initiative
Partnering with three Rhode Island adult service provider agencies (Perspective’s Corporation, AccessPointRI and Trudeau Center), SkillsRI supported the launch of PCSEPP (Person Centered Supported Employment Performance Program) grant provided by BHDDH (Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals). The statewide initiative seeks to increase access to work opportunities for Rhode Islanders with intellectual/developmental disabilities participating in the program.
“This was a valuable and rewarding experience for me because I was helping people from my community as well as contributing in a positive way for our state during this difficult time.”
– Ilsa M., PrepareRI College Internship Program
SkillsRI Welcomed Over 100 Candidates Into an Emergency Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program
In partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Health, SkillsRI enrolled over 100 individuals into a free, accelerated CNA training program to help alleviate pressure on healthcare workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The SkillsRI staff guided me through every step of the process, and they truly cared about seeing me succeed. With the help of the SkillsRI team, I’m now on a path to a better future in the career path of my dreams, and I get to make a difference in my home state.”
– Oricel M., Accelerated CNA Training Program
Over 175 Rhode Islanders Participate in SkillsRI's Temporary Staffing Program
Collaborating with the Department of Labor and Training, in April SkillsRI introduced a temporary staffing initiative aimed at providing increased wages of $18 to $23 per hour for Rhode Islanders displaced from their jobs due to COVID-19.
Over 175 individuals participated in the staffing program, providing critical inspectors, screeners, substitute teachers and more across Rhode Island.
