The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Connecticut a $1.6 million grant to assist an apprenticeship training program for the aerospace manufacturing and maintenance sector.
The Connecticut Apprenticeship Expansion Rx project, run by the state Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training, is receiving the funding.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the state’s Congressional delegation made the announcement Friday.
“With recent expansion within several of the state’s largest aviation manufacturing employers, the demand for credentialed aircraft and power plant mechanics will continue to increase,” Connecticut Labor Commissioner Scott D. Jackson said. “…. Developing a skilled workforce to replace these employees, as well additional workers to fill newly created jobs, is important in meeting the growing needs of Connecticut’s employers.”
The project, which will serve 1,672 apprentices in aerospace, aviation, energy and the building trades, will engage employers to increase new sponsors. The project also will provide underrepresented populations, including women and dislocated and under-employed individuals, with an opportunity to acquire industry credentials.
