Governor's Workforce Board

Upcoming Changes to the Real Jobs Rhode Island (RJRI) Program

As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening Rhode Island’s workforce, the Real Jobs Rhode Island (RJRI) program will be evolving to better align with the Governor’s Rhode to Prosperity initiative, which focuses on increasing incomes for working Rhode Islanders.

While RJRI trainings have successfully equipped participants with valuable skills for today’s job market, we’ve also heard from employers about the need for hands-on experience to ensure workers are fully prepared for their roles. To address this, all future RJRI-funded programs will be required to include work-based learning opportunities that provide participants with practical, on-the-job training.

To support this shift, the Department of Labor and Training (DLT) will not exercise optional renewals for existing RJRI award agreements beyond December 31, 2025. Instead, we will launch a new solicitation for RJRI partnerships in early summer 2025, and we strongly encourage eligible organizations to apply. Additionally, in spring 2025, we will release a request for short-term projects (Proposed Investments in Training, Capacity Building, and Hiring - PITCHes) that can be completed by the end of the year.

These updates are designed to create stronger career pathways and ensure Rhode Islanders have the skills and experience needed to thrive in today’s economy. More details will be shared in the coming weeks, and RJRI partnership advisors will be available to assist with this transition.

For updates and future funding opportunities, please stay connected with the Governor’s Workforce Board at the Department of Labor & Training.