Labor and Training, Department of

Director Matthew D. Weldon

The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) offers a wide array of employment and training services to both the general public and to individuals with unusual barriers to employment. DLT is ready to assist any job seeker, whether the goal is a first job, a better job, or a career change. Rhode Island’s work force is protected through the enforcement of labor laws, prevailing wage rates, and workplace health and safety standards. DLT is dedicated to the growth and competitiveness of Rhode Island industry, administering a variety of training grants, tax credits, and apprenticeship programs to help employers. Economic indicators and labor market information are available for long-range planning. The Agency engages in active outreach, helping large and small employers retain their best workers or retrain their existing work force. At no cost to the employer, DLT will also screen job applicants, post job vacancies, and help businesses institute cost-sharing programs that can avert layoffs.

DLT administers the following programs: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; Employment and Training Services; Unemployment Insurance; Temporary Disability Insurance; Workers’ Compensation and the Rehabilitation Unit at the Chief Judge Robert F. Arrigan Rehabilitation Center; Labor Market Information; Labor Standards; Occupational Safety; Professional Regulation. DLT staffs the following groups: Apprenticeship Council; Governor’s Workforce Board; Workforce Partnership of Greater RI (one of two Workforce Investment Boards); Board of Review; RI Labor Relations Board and all construction trade licensing boards.