Connecticut is struggling to get the word out about high-paying, high-tech manufacturing jobs in the state.
Local, state and federal lawmakers are working to revive Connecticut’s industrial base after a half-century of decline. It seems like at least once a week, a state or federal official is touting a new effort to bring industry back to Connecticut.
While there are fewer manufacturing jobs today than there were 10 years ago, there’s a slow trend towards growth.
After a half-century of decline in the sector, local, state and federal lawmakers are working to revive Connecticut’s industrial base. But without a next-generation workforce to feed those green shoots, they could dry up.
When Jill Mayer graduated from high school in 1999, career options felt more limited than what she sees available to today’s 18-year-olds. There was a “stigma,” Mayer said, “that if you don’t get a college degree you’re not going to be able to make good money and have a long career.”