Student and Manufacturer Connection Fair to be Held at State Capitol

From the House Democrats Office: State Rep. Liz Linehan (D-Cheshire/Southington/Wallingford) has announced that a Student →Manufacturer Connection Fair to connect local manufacturers with technical high school and college students will be held at the State Capitol on Monday, May 22.

Rep. Linehan is working with area manufacturers and is encouraging companies to register for the event.

The fair will bring together Connecticut manufacturing companies and students from the state’s technical high schools and college programs to provide manufacturers an opportunity to showcase their work and students a chance to explore future career paths.

The fair is presented in partnership with Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin/Southington),Manufacturing Caucus Chair Sen. Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury), and the Connecticut Technical High School System (CTHSS).

“The idea was inspired by EDAC Technologies, a growing manufacturer in my district in Cheshire, when they shared that they were looking for ways to connect with manufacturing students across Connecticut. Our goal is to bring together students who will be entering the workforce soon with manufacturers who need skilled workers to help grow their businesses,” Rep. Linehan said. “It’s a win for everybody – students can explore all Connecticut’s manufacturing industry has to offer and business owners can connect with the next generation of innovators.”

“Manufacturing is a strong pillar of our economy, with many sectors growing and in search of skilled employees,” said Speaker Aresimowicz. “Developing this workforce is a priority of the legislature, and events such as this are a great way to bring companies face to face with our students looking to begin a career right here at home in Connecticut.”

“EDAC Technologies is proud to be a growing presence in Cheshire and Connecticut, and behind our success are our workers. Our goal is for the state’s best and brightest students to have us on their radar,” said Jeff Hughes, Vice President of Human Resources at EDAC Technologies. “It has been great working with Rep. Linehan, and we’d like to thank her for listening to our input and creating this opportunity for Connecticut manufacturers.”

“Manufacturing is a major career path with a multitude of specialties. It is our hope that the Student-Manufacturer Connection Fair will serve as an effective connection between Connecticut’s schools and manufacturing sector,” said Sen. Joan Hartley, Co-Chair of the Commerce Committee. “This event is a great opportunity for business owners to meet some of Connecticut’s brightest young minds. Connections like this serve to strengthen our state’s school-to-work pipeline and build a stronger manufacturing sector.”

“Connecticut Technical High School System provides students the authentic application of skills that employers are looking for, and we’re proud that many of our students go on to rewarding careers in manufacturing,” said CTHSS Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey Wihbey. “This fair is a great example of the education-to-career pipeline in action. We’re excited to partner with Rep. Linehan to provide our students this opportunity.”

Connecticut-based manufacturers can register by calling Outreach Coordinator Danielle Palladino at 860-240-1479 or emailing Danielle.Palladino@cga.ct.gov.

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