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EAST HARTFORD, Conn., — Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) and Connecticut State Community College (CT State) today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate workforce readiness, strengthen manufacturing career pathways and support Connecticut manufacturers through industry-aligned education and training.
Together, CCAT and CT State bring applied technology expertise, hands-on training, industry connections and statewide academic reach to better align manufacturing education with the evolving needs of industry. The collaboration will prepare emerging talent and incumbent workers for high-demand careers while helping manufacturers adopt advanced technologies and improve productivity.
The collaboration connects two extensive statewide networks. CT State, Connecticut’s leading provider of manufacturing education and largest producer of manufacturing graduates, trains more than 1,700 students annually through credit and noncredit manufacturing programs at 13 locations statewide. CCAT connects manufacturers with technology, hands-on training, expertise, and resources. In 2026, CCAT engaged more than 1,000 manufacturers and industry partners through projects, training and events, participated in more than 500 programs and engagements, and trained more than 900 individuals.
“CCAT is a driving force for manufacturing innovation in Connecticut, connecting industry, technology, training and education to strengthen our workforce and keep our manufacturers competitive.” —Ron Angelo, President and CEO of CCAT
“Our partnership with CT State strengthens and expands those connections across Connecticut," said Angelo.
“This is more than a training partnership. We are building a statewide innovation engine that connects CT State’s manufacturing talent pipeline with CCAT’s expertise in advanced technology, hands-on training and industry engagement,” said Dr. Amy Thompson, Chief Technology Officer of CCAT. “Together, we can create an end-to-end ecosystem that moves people and companies from learning to business impact.”
The collaboration centers on advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies, including smart manufacturing, automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), additive manufacturing, machining, welding and nondestructive testing. Together, CCAT and CT State will expand access to technology-enabled learning that supports innovation, productivity, and career mobility.
CT State prepares students for high-demand manufacturing careers in machining, mechatronics and robotics, welding and fabrication, precision manufacturing, plastics, and manufacturing engineering technology. With a 90% job placement rate, stackable credentials, and transfer agreements leading to bachelor’s degrees, students can move from education to employment and long-term career growth. The partnership connects students and educators with CCAT’s advanced technologies, manufacturing network, and hands-on industry expertise.
"Connecticut manufacturers continue to face a growing need for skilled workers as technologies evolve and workforce demands increase," said Dr. Christina Royal, Interim President of CT State Community College. "This partnership strengthens our ability to connect students with the technologies, employers, and learning opportunities that define modern manufacturing."
"By combining our strengths, we can expand hands-on experiences, create more pathways to high-demand careers, and help meet the workforce needs of Connecticut's manufacturing sector." —Dr. Christina Royal, Interim President of CT State Community College
CCAT and CT State are creating an integrated model that connects education, workforce development, technology, and industry. CT State provides the talent pipeline and foundational education; CCAT contributes advanced technology and industry expertise; manufacturers bring real-world challenges and employment opportunities; and technology providers supply equipment, software and specialized knowledge. Together, these contributions are designed to strengthen Connecticut’s manufacturing workforce and accelerate technology adoption across the state’s industrial base.
Throughout the year, CCAT and CT State will advance initiatives focused on public funding, industry alignment and hands-on learning pathways, with additional programs rolling out throughout 2027.
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About CCAT State
CT State is the most affordable pathway to a bachelor’s degree in Connecticut. Established in 2023 with 12 main campuses throughout Connecticut, it is the largest community college in the Northeast and fourth largest open enrollment public two-year college in the country.
Students can apply once and take classes at any of CT State's campuses in Bridgeport, Danbury, Danielson, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, New Haven, Norwalk, Norwich, Waterbury, Willimantic, and Winsted. Visit ctstate.edu for more.
About CCAT
The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) is a manufacturing technology innovation and readiness center focused on the application and adoption of digital, additive and other critical technologies across manufacturing and industrial supply chains.
CCAT convenes manufacturers, partners and technology providers to evaluate, implement and integrate technology capabilities into business processes and workflows. Through engineering expertise, technical evaluations, demonstrations and hands-on training, CCAT supports technology adoption, skills development and improved productivity.
CCAT is a nonprofit, non-traditional defense contractor and government fiduciary dedicated to advancing applied technologies and strengthening the U.S. industrial base.
