IIARI hopes to fill industry skills gap with Real Jobs Rhode Island

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF RHODE ISLAND is utilizing the state’s job training program, Real Job Rhode Island, to fill a skills gap in its industry.
INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF RHODE ISLAND is utilizing the state’s job training program, Real Job Rhode Island, to fill a skills gap in its industry.

WARWICK – The Independent Insurance Agents of Rhode Island is tapping the state’s job training program, Real Jobs Rhode Island, to try and fill a skills gap in its industry.
The trade group and its members last week cited an “overwhelming need for qualified candidates to fill current and projected demand” for industry jobs. The state has a shortage of licensed insurance professionals, according to the group, and will leverage the Real Jobs RI tax credit to ready prospective employees with skills and some pre-licensed trainings for the independent insurance agency industry.
“IIARI members have identified this issue as a top priority and are on board to support this partnership effort. We plan to provide qualified candidates with the resources needed, and the pre-licensing training they require to pass the state licensing exam,” said Richard Paquin, IIARI president.
The state approved funding for the jobs training program last year, but the IIARI says it didn’t launch the new-hire process until Oct. 1 because it was collecting feedback from its members.
Qualifying candidates may be eligible for up to $2,400 in state tax incentives if they stay with the program for one year.

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