Manufacturing Apprenticeships Critically Needed

Many things about Connecticut’s economy may be uncertain, but at least one thing is sure: manufacturers in the state have a critical need for skilled workers and apprenticeships are the best way to meet that need.

The key to apprenticeships, as reported in Wall Street Journal this week, is that they “can offer a precise match between the skills employers want and the training workers receive.”

That’s why legislators, the administration, and businesses are working together this year to find a way to extend the state’s manufacturing apprenticeship tax credit to pass-through entities, which are mostly small and midsize manufacturers.

Manufacturers continually say that they need more skilled workers but aren’t seeing enough talented job candidates. Smaller manufacturers also often can’t afford to offer apprenticeships which are the most time-tested and cost-effective way to train new talent.

According to the state Department of Labor, Connecticut currently has 150 manufacturing apprentices. On a competitive note, South Carolina is supporting 647 apprenticeships, says the Journal.

But extending the apprenticeship tax credit to pass-through entities here could unlock many more apprenticeships for smaller manufacturers, help solidify businesses already in Connecticut, and ultimately help attract others considering locating here. 

The state’s manufacturing community urges action now so we can begin to rebuild the strong skilled and manufacturing workforce in Connecticut we once had.

For more information, contact CBIA’s Bonnie Stewart at 860.244.1925 | bonnie.stewart@cbia.com | @CBIAbonnie