Middle and high school students around the state experience first-hand the fast-paced, innovative world of manufacturing.
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – Oct. 1, 2019 – The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. (CCAT), joined by manufacturers, colleges, civic organizations, middle schools and high schools across the state, will host events to inspire the next generation of manufacturing and technology innovators as part of the eighth annual Connecticut. Dream It. Do It. Manufacturing Month this October.
Licensed and led by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. (CCAT) and financed by the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund, Connecticut. Dream It. Do It. is part of The Manufacturing Institute’s nationwide career awareness campaign to introduce young people to the manufacturing world and the dynamic career possibilities it offers.
“This collaboration provides a foundation for students, schools, employees, and employers to cultivate the skills, talents, and entrepreneurial spirit necessary to build a better long-term economic future for Connecticut,” Governor Ned Lamont said in an official proclamation recognizing the importance of the more than 4,000 Connecticut manufacturing companies to the state’s economy and to highlight industry career opportunities statewide.
Connecticut’s manufacturing in the spotlight
Manufacturing Month offers activities across the state that showcase the industry. Many manufacturing companies open their doors to the public with tours and open house events. And, Connecticut’s technical high schools and community colleges hold special events to introduce their manufacturing programs to prospective students.
“Introducing the next generation to rewarding manufacturing careers is more important than ever. Great opportunities in STEM fields and the technology ecosystem exist and it’s exciting to have organizations come together and partner to educate these students,” said Ron Angelo, President and Chief Executive Officer, CCAT. “This year alone Connecticut. Dream It. Do it. is going to be in almost half the school districts throughout Connecticut serving more than 20,000 students. We’re thrilled to experience what might be the best year yet.”
During Manufacturing Month, more than 1,000 students will participate in events statewide to explore manufacturing and discover the exciting career possibilities it offers in Connecticut. Of those students, nearly 300 middle and high school students are set to attend the two signature Connecticut. Dream It. Do It. events —Manufacturing Mania and Making It Real: Girls & Manufacturing Summit.
Middle school students will join in Manufacturing Mania activities on Friday, Oct. 4 at the Goodwin College Business & Manufacturing Center in East Hartford, CT.
Students will explore exhibits and displays by Connecticut manufacturers, tour Goodwin College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, see innovative demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities, compete for fun giveaways, hear from inspiring guest speakers, and get a first-hand look at the Goodwin College Advanced Manufacturing Mobile Training Lab.
The Advanced Manufacturing Mobile Lab brings multiple levels of manufacturing education to eager students throughout the state, targeted at schools that may not have the necessary funds or resources to offer shop or industrial classes. The 44-foot trailer has its own generator, smartboard, Wi-Fi, and room enough to hold advanced manufacturing equipment typically found on manufacturing floors. The Mobile Lab gives students an opportunity to work on the machines and also watch presentations on the lab’s external 50-inch screen, right at their schools.
At the Making It Real: Girls & Manufacturing Summit on Oct. 22 at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, middle and high school students will experience manufacturing and team work through interactive activities and speak with manufacturing executives about the industry and the career opportunities it offers.
“Connecticut. Dream It. Do It. has impacted so many young minds through Manufacturing Month and the many initiatives we run in partnership with manufacturers, schools and organizations throughout the state. Engaging students at their level, in a way they can understand, is critical to learning STEM and workplace skills and discovering that manufacturing career opportunities exist and are within their reach,” said Alyce Stiles, Associate Director, Experiential STEM Education, CCAT.
The excitement of Manufacturing Month continues with more events in October and November. At the Manufacturing Expo & Career Fair on Oct. 17 at Vinal Technical High School in Middletown, students will tour the high school manufacturing shops, receive information on accessible manufacturing programs, and get first-hand employer perspectives on careers in the field. In the Greater Waterbury area, the STEM/Advanced Manufacturing & Technology Expo, hosted by the Waterbury Regional Chamber on Nov. 1 at Naugatuck Valley Community College, will give middle and high school students the chance to directly engage with local manufacturers and area leaders. The Manufacturing Month fun ends with the ACM Aerospace Industry Future Workforce Opportunities Fair on Nov. 20 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, where more than 1,000 students will have the opportunity to speak with over 90 local aerospace firms to learn about career options and employer expectations.
According to Charles Daniels, Chief Financial Officer, Wepco Plastics and AMEP Chair of Central Connecticut, “Connecticut Dream It Do It plays a critical role in bringing awareness of the manufacturing industry to students during a pivotal time in their life. Events like Manufacturing Mania provide hands- on experience that give them an opportunity to practice problem solving, strategic thinking, teamwork and other skills that are necessary in so many aspects of life and career.
To learn more about Connecticut. Dream It. Do It. Manufacturing Month events go to ctdidi.com/mfgmonth
About Connecticut. Dream It. Do It.
Connecticut. Dream It. Do It. is part of The Manufacturing Institute’s nationwide effort to create a positive image of manufacturing today and to develop an awareness of the variety of rewarding career opportunities it offers. Connecticut. Dream It. Do It. is taking the lead in enhancing Connecticut’s current and future manufacturing workforce pipeline. Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. (CCAT) licenses and leads Connecticut. Dream It. Do It. Learn more at www.ctdidi.com
About CCAT
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. (CCAT) is a nonprofit organization, headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., that creates and executes bold ideas advancing applied technologies, IT strategies, energy solutions, STEM education, and career development. By leading state, regional, and national partnerships, CCAT helps manufacturers, academia, government and nonprofit organizations excel. Learn more at ccat.us, or follow CCAT on Twitter – @CCATInc.
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