Wanted: Instructors to Teach Next Generation Manufacturing Workers

As the Connecticut manufacturing industry’s need for skilled workers grows, so does the demand for instructors at colleges and high schools to teach the next generation of manufacturers.

If you’re retired or planning to retire from a long manufacturing career and would like to share your knowledge with the next generation, AARP Connecticut will help bring your experience to the classroom and make a few extra dollars.

AARP Connecticut is providing virtual seminars May 12 at 5:30 pm and May 18 at 10 am that explain how to get into teaching manufacturing.

Possibilities range from working a few hours a week to launching a full-time career.

No teaching experience or degree is required for many positions and professional development courses are available, the AARP said.

Growth Opportunities

“The Connecticut manufacturing sector has demonstrated tremendous growth opportunities year after year, in part because of the diverse industries it supports—ranging from consumer products to commercial aviation to medical devices and the record breaking defense contracts,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.

“Unfortunately, the manufacturing sector was unable to fully realize its growth potential pre-COVID due to a shortage of skilled workers, driven in part by a shortage of instructors.

“The pandemic has provided an opportunity to develop reimagined policies and programs that change the narrative and create the workforce pipeline and supporting ecosystem.

“That includes instructors, needed for today and tomorrow so that our incredible manufacturing sector can realize its tremendous potential and help rebuild Connecticut stronger and better.”

Rebuild Connecticut

Richard DuPont, of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center at Housatonic Community College, said manufacturing has been identified as a key driver in the move to rebuild Connecticut.

“With some 4,500 large and small manufacturers across our state looking to fill thousands of jobs, the demand for skills to fill these openings has never been higher,” he said.

“To sustain all we have built, it is essential that we train and educate a workforce that can capitalize on the career opportunities manufacturing provides from entry to advanced levels.”

The seminars will describe teaching opportunities throughout Connecticut and allow you to ask questions about bringing your experience to the classroom.

DuPont will be a speaker along with Cindi Zoldy of the Manufacturing Alliances Service Corporation and Chip Thermer of Goodwin College.