A proposal to establish an advanced manufacturing apprenticeship and community robotics center at Tunxis Community College in Farmington is getting support from business advocates who say it will help ramp-up Connecticut’s future workforce.
What’s in the bill:
Senate Bill 430, which was introduced by the Commerce Committee, would give the state Bond Commission power to authorize up to $4 million in bonds for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system to establish an advanced manufacturing apprenticeship and community robotics center.
The facility would be created in conjunction with local manufacturers and located at Tunxis Community College in Farmington.
The proposal is another step in efforts to secure additional funding for advanced manufacturing programming at Tunxis. The state spent $8.4 million in capital funds to purchase and renovate a 44,000-square-foot former manufacturing facility adjacent to the Tunxis Community College campus, but the school’s budget doesn’t include money for funding or programming.
Advocates for the center said it would need as much as $4 million more in capital funds to get it up and running and ready for students.
What’s at stake:
The state is facing a workforce shortage of more than 90,000 open positions spread across many industries, but manufacturing has perhaps been hit hardest as the number of aging journeymen heading toward retirement outpaces young people in training.
Manufacturing industry leaders have said apprenticeship and education programs, particularly in collaboration with the state’s higher education and trade institutions, could help strengthen the workforce. Automation and robotics are also emerging technologies in manufacturing, so ensuring future employees are well-versed in those technologies is crucial.
Who’s for it:
The Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) and Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs (CRCJ) both testified in favor of the proposal, saying that it addresses the largest need for manufacturers in the state: more skilled workers.
- “The manufacturing sector is growing at rapid rates and as a result, the need to produce a highly skilled workforce is more important than ever,” said Ashley Zane, CBIA lobbyist.
Who’s against it:
The proposal hasn’t faced public pushback since it was introduced.
What’s next:
The Commerce Committee held a public hearing Tuesday morning to hear from constituents about the proposal. The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday.
