President Ojakian Joined Gov. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Wyman for Historic Bill Signing at Housatonic

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) President Mark Ojakian joined Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman at today’s bill signing ceremony for the Connecticut Strategic Defense Investment Act at Housatonic Community College. This bill helps retain Sikorsky’s headquarters and jobs in Connecticut and increase investment with in-state suppliers.

“CSCU is committed to the state’s manufacturing sector through our Advanced Manufacturing programs and partnerships with the state’s manufacturing companies to deliver a highly skilled workforce,” said CSCU President Ojakian.

“Connecticut benefits from a knowledgeable labor force, and in less than 10 months, CSCU’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers are successfully helping students launch careers in high-tech manufacturing jobs,” continued President Ojakian. “Students emerging from these programs are already contributing to Connecticut’s economic growth today, and will continue to power our economy well into the future.”

Advanced Technology Manufacturing Centers are located at Asnuntuck, Housatonic, Naugatuck Valley and Quinebaug Valley Community Colleges. In addition, Advanced Manufacturing programs are offered at Manchester, Middlesex and Three Rivers Community Colleges with Advanced Manufacturing courses offered at all 12 community colleges.

After completion, these programs have a 98 percent job placement rate for graduates who are regularly hired by Sikorsky and their numerous suppliers statewide. Manufacturing jobs range from Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) operators and aerospace technicians to positions in welding, machining and tool and die.

For more information on the CSCU Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers, see {filedir_7}makeithere.