A Next Act in Manufacturing: Building Tomorrow's Workforce

Connecticut’s manufacturing industry will need an estimated 25,000 to 35,000 new skilled workers for the state’s 4,100 manufacturing companies in the next two decades. Connecticut state colleges and universities, private colleges, and the state’s comprehensive and technical high schools have done a great job of introducing the varied and high-tech career opportunities available to students in the manufacturing industry. However, the growing demand for qualified workers to meet the resurgent manufacturing industry is outpacing the supply, which has created an increasing need for instructors. AARP Connecticut has begun assisting schools in identifying and recruiting retired manufacturers who might consider applying their real world skills in the classroom.

In January, we hosted our first retiree recruitment event and a dozen retired manufacturers joined us to learn about the array of opportunities available in the classroom. The entry points are such that a retiree could earn a little income by working a few hours a week or entirely re-career into a full time position.

Real life experience matters and can bring a value to the next generation of manufacturers that students just cannot learn from books. Our unique public-private partnership focuses on supporting retirees who have many years to give to the next generation. This effort supports Connecticut’s Advanced Manufacturing Strategic Plan and is a critical driver of our state’s economic future.

March 26, 2019, 9:00 AM
Goodwin College, East Hartford
https://aarp.cvent.com/ManufactureEHartford

June 13, 2019, 12:30 PM
Tunxis Community College, Farmington
https://aarp.cvent.com/ManufactureTunxis