BRIDGEPORT, CT – Housatonic Community College (HCC) hosted a Careers in Manufacturing Expo 2022 on May 4, connecting 28 manufacturing firms from Connecticut with those interested in the field and prospective employees.
A whopping 300 job seekers and students attended the free event to discover in-demand manufacturing positions, learn about the industry, meet employers, attend panel discussions, and explore the HCC Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (AMTC).
Recently the college was awarded $1 million in federal funding to support its AMTC program. The project was selected by Congressman Himes from more than 80 applicants for inclusion in the omnibus appropriations bill.
“People forget that advanced manufacturing is not something where you walk into the plant and just start doing it the way our grandparents did. You really need a lot of training in computers, computer assisted design and that sort of thing. It’s really exciting that right here we’re putting young people together with the skills they need to get great jobs,” said Congressman Himes.
Connecticut has a long history of manufacturing innovation, including the well-known submarine, wiffle ball and frisbee, but there is currently a large shortage of skilled workers for positions that are waiting to be filled.
“We are happy to host today’s important event that brings together scholars, the community and employers. It is exciting to see so many people here interested in the manufacturing field,” said Dwayne Smith, Housatonic Community College CEO.
The Careers In Manufacturing Expo 2022 was presented by the City of Bridgeport, Entrepreneurship Foundation, Housatonic Community College, the Southwest CT Manufacturing Partnership and Bridgeport Regional Business Council.
Employers in attendance included ASML,Bausch Group, Bigelow Tea, Biomerics NLE, Cadcom, Inc., Connecticut Stone Supplies, CT Anodizing, Excello Tool, FuelCell Energy, Holo-Krome, ITW StampTech Fasteners, JV Precision, Lex Products, Lockheed/ Sikorsky, M.A. Selmon Company, Magnolia Chocolatier, McMellon Brothers, Microboard, Moore Tool Company, PTA Plastics, RAF Electronic Hardware, RBC Bearings, Rotair Aerospace Corporation, Schwerdtle Technologies, Seidel Group, Straton Industries, Xcel Tool, Yankee Metals, and Zehnder Clean Air Solutions.
