DeLauro Holds Roundtable Discussion on New $1.6 Million Apprenticeship Grant
MIDDLETOWN, CT (November 4, 2016) — CongresswomanRosa DeLauro (CT-03) today held a roundtable discussion at Middlesex Community College to discuss apprenticeships and new grant funding the state recently received. During her visit, DeLauro met with state leaders, industry partners, educators, students, and employees regarding the positive impacts of apprenticeships and the critical role that they play for Connecticut’s students.
“Through this grant, the State of Connecticut will be able to expand apprenticeships to new sectors and reach out to new employers to expand access to apprenticeships statewide. This grant will also create thousands of apprenticeships nationwide in diverse fields such as advanced manufacturing, health care, and information technology,” said DeLauro. “Earlier this year, I joined my colleagues in the Connecticut Congressional Delegation to urge Secretary Perez to support this grant and I look forward to seeing its positive impacts on our economy. As the Senior Democrat on the subcommittee responsible for funding labor programs, I strongly believe in expanding apprenticeship programs to encourage more high school students to enter into manufacturing careers.”
DeLauro, along with the State’s Congressional Delegation, recently announced a $1.6 million grant to fund the Connecticut Apprenticeship Expansion Rx project, which targets the aerospace, manufacturing, and maintenance sectors. Under this grant, the project will engage employers to increase new sponsors and provide underrepresented populations, including women, dislocated workers, and under employed individuals, an opportunity to acquire industry required credentials.
“We have made strong investments in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers, which are now at seven of our community colleges,” said Tracy Ariel, Director of Advanced Manufacturing Centers, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. “Apprenticeship programs are a vital link between continuing education and employment.”
“When I came to the company 6 years ago, the then President called me in and said ‘You have four guys here that are 65 years or older, what are you going to do about it?’ We have worked with Naugatuck Valley Community College from the beginning to develop the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center,” said Doug Johnson, President of Marion Manufacturing Company in Cheshire. “This next step, the apprenticeship model, is something we need as employers—apprenticeship programs like these are the only way the manufacturing industry is going to survive.”
“Apprenticeship programs are the building block for the future workforce. This is really about Hannah Lenoce, Ricardo Perez, and Vince Jakiela—it’s about the students and creating a pathway to economic success for themselves and their families,” said Todd Berch, Apprenticeship Manager, Connecticut Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Training.
“I joined Middlesex Community College about a year ago and that’s when Carolyn helped me get a job at Polamer Precision,” said Ricardo Perez, a student at Middlesex Community College. “I’m excited about going into the apprenticeship program next semester and the opportunities that it will open. And it’s not just about me. Having ready skilled workers can only benefit the state and the country.”
Under the expansion grant, the seven community colleges with Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers will serve approximately 1,672 apprentices and they are:
- Asnuntuck Community College
- Housatonic Community College
- Manchester Community College
- Middlesex Community College
- Naugatuck Community College
- Quinebaug Valley Community College
- Three Rivers Community College
In Connecticut alone, more than 3,400 companies employ more than 4,500 apprentices in registered apprenticeship programs. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 91 percent of apprentices are employed after completing their programs, with an average starting wage above $60,000.