CBIA
HARTFORD – The state legislature’s Appropriations Committee advanced a state budget bill March 31 that includes $2 million to expand the Manufacturing Innovation Pipeline Program.
That workforce initiative is designed to help manufacturers address persistent hiring challenges.
The added funding will increase the number of cohorts available through the program, allowing more Connecticut residents to receive no-cost, short-term training for in-demand manufacturing careers and helping employers fill critical positions. The pipeline program builds on successful, employer-driven workforce models already operating across the state.
One such effort is the Eastern Connecticut Manufacturing Pipeline, a program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation Fund in partnership with the Connecticut Labor Department and the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board.
Hiring needs
The Eastern Connecticut program was developed to directly address the hiring needs of General Dynamics Electric Boat, members of the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance, along with other manufacturers throughout the region.
Electric Boat is currently planning on hiring thousands of new employees over the next five years while its Connecticut supply chain will also expand to meet the demands of new submarine production.
The program helps participants gain job-ready skills while giving manufacturers access to a more reliable talent pipeline.
By aligning training with real-world employer demand, the program helps participants gain job-ready skills while giving manufacturers access to a more reliable talent pipeline.
The program offers short-term classroom instruction focused on foundational manufacturing skills, along with stipend payments for perfect attendance to help remove financial barriers for participants.
Training is provided at multiple locations to ensure broad regional access, including:
- Three Rivers at Ella Grasso Technical High School in Groton
- CT State Quinebaug Valley campuses in Danielson and Willimantic
Accelerate workforce entry
By combining accessible training locations with financial supports, the program is designed to attract a diverse pool of participants and accelerate their entry into the manufacturing workforce.
“Manufacturers across Connecticut continue to report difficulty finding qualified workers, particularly as production demands grow and experienced employees retire,” said CBIA vice president of public policy Chris Davis.
“Expanding the Manufacturing Innovation Pipeline Program will help scale proven training models, connect more residents to well-paying careers, and support the competitiveness of one of the state’s most important economic sectors.”
The budget proposal now moves forward in the legislative process as lawmakers continue negotiations prior to the end of the legislative session on May 6.
