Programs to boost manufacturing jobs in Connecticut
Posted on October 5, 2014
Newly created programs by the state’s Congressional delegation will help boost manufacturing jobs in Connecticut.
A consortium of all 12 community colleges in Connecticut and Charter Oak State College have been successfully awarded a $15 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to launch the Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Initiative (CAMI) – a project that builds upon the success of the state’s nationally-recognized Advanced Manufacturing Centers that are currently implemented at four state community colleges and expands manufacturing education to every community college in Connecticut.
This is a significant opportunity for Connecticut to maximize education programs in the advanced manufacturing field, providing more students with the skills needed to meet the challenges of 21st Century production design, innovation and manufacturing.
“I’m thrilled that the Department of Labor awarded this grant to Connecticut’s 12 community colleges and Charter Oak State College,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. “With this new funding, the colleges will enhance the recruitment, advising, and training of Connecticut’s manufacturing talent pipeline, ultimately creating new career pathways and opportunities for our state’s devoted workers. I admire the commitment by Connecticut Community Colleges to invest in the economic future of our state, and this grant will enable the colleges to do just that.”
Congressman John Larson (D-1) said, “I’d like to congratulate Manchester Community College for leading the consortium and all its partners for creating new and better opportunities for our state’s veterans, and providing a new pathway for Connecticut workers to get the skills they need to access good jobs in the manufacturing sector. Our community colleges have committed to driving our economy forward by developing a pipeline of workers for local manufacturers and providing today’s workforce with the skills and education needed for the jobs of tomorrow.”
“A highly-educated and skilled workforce will provide leading manufacturers with the means they need to expand, increase production and create good-paying jobs with good benefits right here in Connecticut,” Governor Malloy said. “Time and again, I hear from manufacturers about their need for workers equipped with the tools necessary to fill some of these in-demand, modern technology manufacturing positions. To compete, we must show these employers that we are training our students for real-world jobs they want to fill. Our state’s four Advanced Manufacturing Centers have become nationally recognized in this field — expanding manufacturing education throughout the state’s community college system will show manufacturers our commitment to this emerging sector of our economy.”
