Skilled workforce

(Jan. 9, 2008) Connecticut's employers are extremely concerned about the lack of skilled workers to fill new positions and replace retiring employees. Our students need to be challenged and engaged learners who, with the proper support, can attain high academic standards and productive careers.

Education and Job Training

• Raise high school academic standards and graduation requirements to ensure that all students are prepared for postsecondary education and employment. Give teachers and students the support and resources they need to achieve success.
• Commission an analysis of the research-based elements of successful high school redesign and develop a realistic timeline for implementation.
• Continue to focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects to prepare Connecticut students for high-skill, high-wage jobs in the global economy.
• Support and expand the number of charter and magnet schools, smaller learning communities, and career academies that improve students' academic performance, motivate them to stay in school and graduate prepared for postsecondary education and employment.
• Expand Connecticut's Vanguard Schools Initiative and provide resources to train administrators and educators in schools in need of improvement on strategies to implement the best practices of Vanguard Schools.
• Ensure the availability of skilled manufacturing workers by:
• Continuing the state's investment in upgrading technical high school and community college facilities and providing resources for equipment and supplies.
• Expanding the capacity of technical high schools and community colleges to recruit and train more students in manufacturing technology programs by adding faculty as needed to meet industry demand.
• Marketing the advantages of manufacturing careers through a statewide manufacturing awareness campaign.
• Providing scholarships to students to encourage them to pursue careers in manufacturing.
• Responding to industry requirements for NIMS (National Institute of Metalworking Skills)-certified employees by increasing the number of NIMS-certified programs in the technical high schools and community colleges.
  
• Increase employability skills and access to higher-paying jobs through employer-driven training that meets industry requirements and targets actual jobs.
• Expand apprenticeship and customized job training programs for new and incumbent workers.
  

Housing

• Expand the supply of housing affordable for workers so that businesses can keep and attract quality employees.
• Encourage the departments of Economic and Community Development and Transportation to coordinate and develop housing, transportation and economic policies that maximize growth.
• Reduce regulatory barriers, modernize zoning requirements and create incentives for increasing the supply of housing that is affordable for workers in Connecticut.