Organizations

AdvanceCT

AdvanceCT is a nonprofit organization that works to engage, retain and recruit businesses and advance overall economic competitiveness in Connecticut. In collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), AdvanceCT strives to build a place where business, government, higher education, and nonprofits come together to implement high impact and inclusive economic development solutions for the state.

Connecticut Apprenticeship and Education Committee

Per Public Act No. 19-68: An Act Establishing the Connecticut Apprenticeship and Education Committee, the Manufacturing Committee transitioned and became the Connecticut Apprenticeship Committee. The law required the committee to analyze whether current apprenticeship training programs available to Connecticut residents are meeting workforce needs. Although the Council is no longer mandated to meet, the documents created by the Council are utilized by stakeholders and will remain posted.

Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT)

The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. (CCAT) is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 and headquartered in East Hartford, Connecticut. CCAT leads and collaborates with state, regional, and national partners in manufacturing, academia, government, and non-profit organizations in order to define and strengthen the future of the supply chain in the areas of advanced manufacturing, incumbent worker training, STEM awareness, and energy solutions. CCAT provides digital resources and manufacturing activities for students, training for educators, and industry ambassador connections.

Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Manufacturing Innovation Fund (DECD MIF)

The State of Connecticut established the Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF) to support the growth, innovation and progress of Connecticut’s advanced manufacturing sector. This funding is used to provide direct loans and/or grants as well as to support an array of initiatives, including: encouraging company/university collaboration in research and development efforts; providing vouchers to assist with business development and technical needs; funding job training and educational programs that strengthen workforce skills; and providing matching funds for federal grants.

Connecticut Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Training

Apprenticeship is a paid training program of earning while learning. This on-the-job training, combined with classroom instruction, ensures a well-qualified, job-ready employee. Apprenticeships generally range from one to four years and at completion, the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training provides a portable training credential. A Registered Apprenticeship program can help employers develop a world-class workforce, enhance productivity, profitability and the bottom line.

Connecticut Governor’s Workforce Council (GWC), Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS)

The Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS) is a division of the CT Department of Economic and Community Development that serves as the administrative staff to the Governor’s Workforce Council (GWC). Their vision is for every Connecticut resident to have access to a meaningful career pathway and the support needed to fulfill their aspirations and for every Connecticut business to have access to a skilled workforce. Their mission is to build the systems, teams, and approaches that will make Connecticut a talent environment that attracts and motivates students, career builders, and companies alike.

CONNSTEP

CONNSTEP is Connecticut’s leading business consulting firm and part of the MEP National Network. Efforts focus on identifying opportunities for growth, improving productivity, and ensuring clients remain competitive in evolving market conditions. Consultants are subject matter experts who implement advanced business and technical solutions, as well as workforce strategies, using a holistic approach that generates bottom-line improvements and produces innovative, results-driven top-line growth for CT organizations. They are an affiliate of CBIA, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, collectively working to advance the growth and sustainability of the state’s business community. CONNSTEP also works closely with CBIA’s other affiliate, ReadyCT, advocating for more educational and training resources to encourage career opportunities for the Connecticut’s workforce.

CT Office of Manufacturing

ReadyCT

ReadyCT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission of advancing academic excellence and career-connected learning for all public school students in Connecticut through collaboration with business, education, and civic leaders. ReadyCT is also an affiliate of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA). ReadyCT is committed to better aligning the state’s public education systems with local and regional workforce needs, especially in high-growth/high-demand industry areas such as manufacturing.

South Central Manufacturing Industry Partnership (SCMIP)

The South Central Manufacturing Industry Partnership launched in March 2021, spearheaded by companies like Roto Frank of America, Hobson Motzer, PennGlobe, Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Metals, and involving over 25 manufacturing execs with three shared priorities: talent, promoting manufacturing, and cost competitiveness. The focus of their work is to mitigate or solve for issues in the manufacturing industry in South Central Connecticut. It is supported by three Chambers of Commerce, the regional Workforce Board and involves nearly 30 additional public and government partners.

Southwest Connecticut Manufacturing Partnership (SMCP)

Targeting Southwest Connecticut manufacturers from all industries, this partnership is a forum for executive networking on important issues and for taking action on shared issues, like access to skilled workers, supply chain connections and regional marketing. It’s driven by manufacturers of all types and sizes. It’s supported by a network of public partners including community colleges, chambers, business councils, our region’s workforce board and programs and government.