DeLauro Visits Naugatuck Valley Community College

New Haven, CT –Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) visited the Naugatuck Valley Community College today, touring the campus, meeting with students and faculty, and learning about the Welding Fundamentals Program, which prepares students for careers in fields such as manufacturing and construction.

The Naugatuck Valley Community College is a public, two-year, associate degree college established in 1962 and located in Waterbury Connecticut. The college offers more than 100 accredited programs for associates degrees or professional certifications, and over 120 professional development courses. The Welding Fundamentals Program is offered at the college through the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and provides certified training to job-seekers, those who have lost their jobs, veterans, and others. By becoming certified welders, these students gain a competitive advantage in fields, such as manufacturing or construction, that require entry level welding skills or positions them better for apprenticeships.

"In today's economy, it is essential that those entering the workforce have the training and the knowledge necessary to make them competitive in the job market. At Naugatuck Valley Community College, students are learning the skills they will need in the manufacturing and construction fields as they embark on those careers. Hard work and dedication are the keys to success in any job, but especially in these fields, and the students I met today are well on their way, learning new techniques and cutting-edge technologies" said Congresswoman DeLauro. "From the days of Eli Whitney, Connecticut has always been known as a vital center of industrial and manufacturing creativity, and these men and women are continuing that proud tradition."