The manufacturing sector is one of the strongest engines for job creation in Connecticut’s economy. Every job done by a manufacturer supports the creation of additional work wherever their products are sent. I have been working with some of Connecticut’s manufacturers and the staff at Platt Technical High School in Milford to establish workforce training program that we believe will help expand Connecticut’s manufacturing sector and create new jobs.
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The program we are working to create will make use of existing state resources to offer coursework targeted at the development of entry-level or incumbent manufacturing employees. The program will be divided into two levels, accommodating the needs of people needing a basic manufacturing education as well as those who have the basic education but need training in advanced concepts in order to further their career. This will allow employers to ensure their new employees are properly trained in math, blueprint reading, and other skills needed in manufacturing. It will also allow them to train existing employees in advanced manufacturing concepts like tool making and geometric dimensioning, so that they can be promoted to new positions. These manufacturing courses will include hands-on shop work and simulate the environment and conditions that a manufacturing employee would find on the job.
Dozens of Connecticut manufacturers have requested improved workforce training assistance, and I am glad we were able to work together and design this program, which will meet their needs without costing the state any more money. This is an efficient and effective way to spend state dollars which will allow manufacturers to thrive and create new jobs in our state. Running the program out of Platt Tech and other technical high schools will maximize our use of school buildings as well as their knowledgeable and experienced teachers.
This Manufacturing Workforce Enhancement Program expands upon the work my colleagues and I have been doing in the state legislature to improve STEM (science, technology, education and math) offerings Connecticut and invest in technical schools like Platt. Last year I led passage of a law that ensures all Connecticut students receive an education in programming and computer science. These skills are vital in manufacturing and are also highly useful to any person looking for improvement in the 21st Century economy.
Gayle Slossberg
State Senator, 14th District
