The governor has announced a workforce development plan intended to build a “talent to jobs” pipeline focusing on manufacturing.
Gov. Ned Lamont highlighted the state's effort to strengthen workforce development programs and build “the nation’s strongest talent-to-jobs pipeline.”
This come after an announcement from the governor’s office on Monday about the creation of a Connecticut Workforce Development Unit, a state office to develop workforce policy, set a vision for a workforce pipeline and work toward a common strategy and set of goals.
The unit will be within the state Department of Economic and Community Development and will collaborate to provide advice on workforce strategies and initiatives, according to the governor’s office.
Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian participated in the news conference and said manufacturing is important for the future of the state’s economy.
Connecticut Workforce Development Unit Executive Director Kelli Vallieres, and other state and local officials joined the governor for the news conference in Farmington this morning.
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“As someone who has devoted my career to working across the Connecticut ecosystem to help workers acquire the skills they need to thrive in their careers, I am thrilled at the opportunity to lead the Workforce Development Unit,” Vallieres said in a statement released on Monday. “I am very much looking forward to collaborating with our educators, state agencies, nonprofits, regional workforce boards, employers, and everyone else committed to creating a world class workforce in Connecticut.”
Vallieres said manufacturing is the backbone of the state’s economy and called Connecticut the "Silicon Valley "of manufacturing.
Vallieres said she believes that in the next two years, 70 percent of jobs will need some sort of credentialing and the state needs to build a system that allows students to earn credential.
