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Jun 05, 2012

Three New Community College Manufacturing Centers Now Enrolling Students

Three new community college manufacturing centers are enrolling students for the fall 2012 semester with an expected Advanced Manufacturing Certificate completion date of May 2013.

The three new community college manufacturing centers – in addition to the existing center at Asnuntuck Community College (Enfield) – are currently enrolling students for the fall 2012 semester with an expected Advanced Manufacturing Certificate completion date of May 2013. The funding for the new manufacturing centers at Housatonic (Bridgeport), Naugatuck Valley (Waterbury) and Quinebaug Valley (Danielson) was included in the bipartisan Jobs Bill considered by the legislature and signed by the Governor last year.

“Last year on my Jobs Tour, I visited dozens of businesses in our state and one constant refrain I heard was the need for an educated and skilled workforce, particularly within the manufacturing sector. If we’re going to increase job growth and remain competitive, we must be aware of how critically important it is for manufacturers to have access to employees with an advanced skill set,” Governor Dannel P. Malloy said. “Having a workforce that is able to fill these jobs is vital to spurring economic growth, and these manufacturing centers will play a significant role in boosting those efforts.”

“These centers will provide the training and experience necessary for our students to fill the positions that exist in advanced manufacturing in our state,” said Board of Regents President Robert A. Kennedy. “Following the successful Asnuntuck model, these three new centers will serve more students from across our state and ensure that they are ready to compete in the 21st century global economy.”

Students who earn their 16-credit Machine Technology Level I Certificate will receive a primary level of essential skills and knowledge in the machining area of manufacturing. This certificate provides essential entry level skills by combining hands-on instruction, interactive lab experiences, theory and possible on-site manufacturing internships. Successful mastery of this certificate is required for entry into the Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology Level II Certificate. The 18-credit Level II Certificate will provide additional skills to those seeking employment in machine technology and CNC manufacturing environments. Additionally, credits earned in this certificate may be applied to the College of Technology's (COT) Technology Studies Advanced Manufacturing degree option, which may be used for seamless transfer to several four-year universities including Central Connecticut State University and the University of Hartford.

Students who enroll in these programs may be eligible for financial aid. In addition, these certificates are Workforce Investment Act (WIA) approved and qualify for assistance under the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). Interested students can learn more about the program by visiting www.ctregents.org/manufacturing or by contacting any of the following people: