State to fund $8.3M in technology, manufacturing workforce development initiatives
Photo | Contributed
Lyco Inc. employee Larry Wallace operates an edgebander machine, which strips and re-edges countertops, that was purchased with the help of a matching grant through the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund.
The state will fund $8.3 million in technology and manufacturing workforce training initiatives aimed at building up Connecticut's manufacturing industry.
Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday announced the funds would cover programs to increase engineering internships for Connecticut residents, advertise career opportunities in manufacturing and several other programs.
Funding comes from the state Manufacturing Innovation Fund after the fund's board of directors this week voted to spend $8.3 million on the programs. Connecticut's state budget for the next two fiscal years includes $20 million in funding for MIF, which was established in 2014 with $75 million to pay for programs — like apprenticeships and incumbent worker training — aimed at growing jobs and helping the sector deal with a major workforce shortage.
“We know the critical role manufacturing plays in our economy when it comes to jobs, exports, innovation, and productivity," Lamont said Thursday. "These new programs demonstrate the comprehensive approach we are taking to ensure our manufacturing base is positioned for success over the long-term.”
Of the new funding, $3.7 million will support programs including engineering internships and manufacturing careers advertising in addition to establishing a program to match startups with manufacturing companies, matching grants for cybersecurity assessments and regional career fairs.
A total of $4.6 million in MIF funding will support existing programs including the Incumbent Worker Training Program ($1.5 million), Apprenticeship Program ($1.0 million) and Manufacturing Voucher Program ($2.1 million).
Connecticut's Chief Manufacturing Officer and chair of the MIF board Colin Cooper said board members funded programs based on input from the state's manufacturing sector.
“I have met with scores of manufacturers throughout the state in the past two years and their feedback has been critical in shaping and prioritizing these programs and investments,” Cooper said.
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