CSCU and Senator Blumenthal Announce Advanced Manufacturing Learning Center Expansion at Tunxis

Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined the state’s public community colleges and the Connecticut Department of Labor to announce the expansion of the state’s advanced manufacturing technology centers. The the official announcement of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers expansion was made at Tunxis Community College in Farmington with Senator Blumenthal; Mark Ojakian, President, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU); James Lombella, Ed.D., President, Tunxis Community College; and Kurt Wesby, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Labor.

“We are excited and proud to announce the expansion of Connecticut’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Programs to Tunxis Community College, with classes scheduled to begin this fall.  The addition of the Tunxis campus extends the reach of these programs to all corners of the state, and provides a convenient location for manufacturing firms in the greater Hartford, Farmington Valley and Bristol areas to access these programs. Connecticut’s advanced manufacturing technology centers play a crucial role in providing our major manufacturing partners with highly skilled, job-ready workers,” said CSCU President Ojakian

Senator Blumenthal shared information about the recently passed federal defense spending bill that will support jobs in Connecticut’s manufacturing industry.

“With this new Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program, students at Tunxis will now have access to the training and experience needed to take advantage of Connecticut’s high-skilled, good-paying manufacturing jobs. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am working to make sure our state’s defense manufacturing industry receives the strong federal support it needs to advance our national security and grow good paying Connecticut jobs. I look forward to returning to Tunxis this fall as classes begin, and to seeing these students graduate into strong, successful careers,” said Senator Blumenthal.

Tunxis Community College joins Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers at Asnuntuck in Enfield, Housatonic in Bridgeport, Naugatuck Valley in Waterbury, Quinebaug Valley in Danielson, Manchester Community College in Manchester, Middlesex in Middletown, and Three Rivers in Norwich to offer Advanced Manufacturing Technology Programs. The Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (AMTC) certificate program is offered on a part-time or full-time basis, and costs approximately $5,000 to $7,000 including materials, tuition and fees.  Many of the programs have internships or apprenticeships available, as well as financial aid, and credits can be applied to an associate degree.

“We are excited to launch Advanced Manufacturing Technology programs at Tunxis Community College this fall and become the 8th community college in Connecticut to offer this training, which meets critical workforce needs for skilled graduates and strengthens our state’s economy,” said Tunxis Community College President Lombella.

Dedicated advanced manufacturing technology centers are one piece of workforce development plan. The Connecticut Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Program provides direct, hand-on, work-ready experience.

“Advanced manufacturing employers are telling us they need skilled workers and we are listening,” said Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Westby. “This center will provide new opportunities for both students and employers, and through our partnership with the community college system we can help foster pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs to help link the skills learned in the classroom with those needed on the job. The end goal is to develop well-paying careers and grow Connecticut’s workforce talent to meet our state’s business needs.”