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Aetna expands workforce initiative in 2026, invests to create locally based jobs in Connecticut

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Aetna to invest $1.2 million to create local, emerging talent jobs

New training center to prepare next generation of local talent at Aetna


June 16, 2026 | 3-minute read time

 

HARTFORD, CT, June 16, 2026 — Aetna®, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS), today announced it has expanded its local workforce development strategy with the launch of NextStep at AetnaTM and a commitment to invest $1.2 million over the next five years in academic programs, career development, skills training and workforce readiness across Connecticut.

 

“As a company deeply rooted in Hartford for over 170 years, we aim to contribute to a vibrant talent pipeline and a thriving community,” said Katerina Guerraz, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Aetna. “We’re proud to invest in the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of our city and state. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for all and supporting the success of Connecticut’s workforce.”

 

NextStep at Aetna is a talent‑building initiative designed to expand access to career pathways—both for individuals with college degrees and those seeking opportunities without one. As part of the company’s long-standing presence in Hartford, the program aims to strengthen the local pipeline of future professionals while supporting the state’s economic vitality.

 

“Aetna’s NextStep initiative represents exactly the kind of forward‑looking, community‑anchored workforce investment that strengthens Connecticut’s talent pipeline. By expanding pathways for both degree‑holders and individuals entering the workforce without a college credential, Aetna is helping ensure that residents have access to meaningful careers and employers have access to the skilled talent they need to thrive. Their commitment to developing local talent—through education partnerships, training and clear career ladders— exemplifies the coordinated, statewide approach necessary to grow Connecticut’s economy and support opportunity for all,” said Kelli‑Marie Vallieres, PhD, Chief Workforce Officer, State of Connecticut.

 

Building skills and careers through Hartford-based training

 

An important part of the NextStep at Aetna initiative is a new training facility at Aetna’s Hartford headquarters on Farmington Avenue, designed to prepare entry‑level talent for careers in customer service and operations. Service representatives play a critical role in delivering exceptional member experiences, and the facility will offer a robust curriculum taught by dedicated Aetna training professionals.

 

The program is open to candidates with a high-school degree or above. Over the next three years, Aetna aims to deliver approximately 76,000 hours of training at the new center.

 

Building career opportunities with multiple pathways

 

As part of this initiative, Aetna is deepening its collaboration with Connecticut academic institutions and advancing internal development programs to strengthen career pipelines. Collaborations include:

 

  • University of Connecticut, Hartford Campus: Aetna is working with leadership at the university’s Hartford campus to expand programs promoting career development for students, beginning their freshman year. This will include an investment in one of UConn Hartford’s first Learning Communities, offering academic programming, co-curricular activities and career readiness sessions.
  • University of Hartford: Aetna will work with the University of Hartford to enhance and sponsor career readiness programming through the Allan Center for Career and Professional Development and the Barney School of Business, as well as engage through the College of Education, Nursing, and Health Professions on programming that develops skills the health care industry will need in the future.
  • Hartford Public Schools (HPS): Aetna and HPS are designing a curriculum for students in the Allied Health Pathways program, featuring coursework, guest speakers and programming for students exploring careers in health services. Aetna offers full-time roles for students looking to join the workforce with a high school degree.

 

The company will continue to offer seven full-time leadership development programs, each featuring rotations across enterprise segments, providing emerging leaders with real-world experience.

About Aetna

 

Aetna, a CVS Health business, serves an estimated 37 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers' compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna's customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care professionals, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, visit Aetna.com .

About CVS Health

 

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 88 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

Media contact

 

Ethan Slavin
slavine@cvshealth.com

Legal notices

Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna).

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