Connecticut continues its streak as a top five state for teaching metalworking skills in high school programs. It helps students find work in precision-machining careers.
The ranking, provided by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, is due in part to the Connecticut Technical High School System, a coalition of 17 diploma-granting technical high schools. It currently has 791 students enrolled in the national institute’s credentialing programs.
According to John Murphy, the high school system’s education consultant for manufacturing technologies, the credentialing process provides students with a level 1 machining credential when they graduate.
Further enhancing the state’s ranking is a five-year, $10 million rolling capital plan, supported by the state. Through it, 14 precision-machining labs have received machine upgrades and expanded their computer numerical control, or CNC, machining capabilities.
The Connecticut Technical High School System currently operates 17 diploma-granting technical high schools, one technical education center and two aviation maintenance programs. It serves approximately 11,200 full-time high school and adult day students, with education and training in 31 occupational areas and 2,000 apprenticeship students.
