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Technical Education |
Every Connecticut manufacturer shares a common complaint -- the lack of skilled help, especially in more demanding occupations where higher math skills and computer knowledge are required.
Our state has an aging workforce -- which means a major generational transition will be needed to keep the skill base for manufacturing in Connecticut. Much of that transitional learning can and should take place as it has for decades -- on the shop floor, with the skilled veteran showing the "new kid" how it's actually done.
But preparing young people to get on the shop floor is the job of the state's technical education system -- and it has to do better. That starts with more funding.
How bad is the problem? One technical high school told us that with 80 students in the machining curriculum, running equipment on a daily basis, the school has an annual budget of $2500 for materials. Technical school faculty often literally beg businesses for essential material -- like hydraulic fluid for the machinery -- that they simply cannot afford to buy.
CT manufacturers should be stepping up to support these programs, and they often do. But it's not enough. If we want to head into the future with a workforce capable of carrying on the proud tradition of Connecticut machining prowess -- we have to make the necessary investment in that future.
Manufacturers have a much more significant role to play -- welcoming young people into their establishments and being willing to take the time to train. It has always been the surest way to replenish and renew the skilled workforce which is the pride of our state. |
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