For Immediate Release

June 19, 2009

 

CBIA HELPS RETRAIN WORKERS IN HIGH-DEMAND MANUFACTURING JOBS

Thirteen recently laid-off workers just completed a unique program that teaches them new skills that will help them land high-demand jobs in manufacturing. The Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), the Manufacturing Alliance Service Corp. (MASC) and Waterbury Adult Education sponsored the program for dislocated workers. It focuses on shop essentials, math, and blueprint reading, along with hands-on CNC precision machine skills training.

In addition, the workers completed a CBIA Lean Manufacturing certificate program developed in conjunction with industry and the state’s community colleges. The program is funded by a U.S. Department of Labor High Growth Job Training Initiative, a competitive grant awarded to CBIA in 2006.

CBIA also gave each student access to ToolingU, an online manufacturing training program.

“We are very pleased with the success of the program,” said Judith K. Resnick, director of workforce development and training. “At the June 12 graduation, two of the students had already received job offers, and eight others had scheduled job interviews.”

Graduates of the program:

Waterbury Residents

William Doolan

David Douglas

Erin Garcia

Giriaco Russo

Gerson Talho

Daniel Vecca

Daniel Belvedere Jr.

Walter Machnicz

Oakville Residents

Ed Gwizd, Oakville

Daniel Peszek, Oakville

Allan Morris, Shelton

Lester Arcadio, Bethel

James Moran, Milford

One of the greatest accomplishments for the graduates was the skilled technical training; for many students it was also the first time they had touched a computer. In fact, more than half of the class had never used a computer before.  By partnering with a seasoned computer user, they quickly learned the skills needed to access the friendly ToolingU software. Ed Gwizd of Oakville said, “I’m 59 years-old, and I was afraid to go on my wife’s computer. Now I think its fun.”

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CBIA is the state’s largest business organization, with 10,000 members.

 

For more information contact Nancy Andrews, CBIA media relations manager, at 860-244-1957 or andrewsn@cbia.com.

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