'Manufacturing coming back to CT.' Lamont says new technology manufacturing center critical for state's future

The state has launched a new advanced manufacturing technology center in western Connecticut.
Gov. Ned Lamont joined state education leaders Friday to unveil the new center on the campus of West-Conn in Danbury.
The facility will enroll up to 24 students in the two-semester certificate program that prepares individuals for hands-on positions in the manufacturing sector.
"This is training people for one of the most modern technologies in the world, advanced manufacturing. Connecticut has always been a leader in manufacturing. Manufacturing is coming back to Connecticut, coming back to America and people are going to be trained with a guaranteed job right here at western," said Lamont.
Approximately 95% of graduates are placed in full-time jobs. The program also opens doors to higher paying positions with the greater Danbury manufacturing companies that are partnering with the program.
"The workforce is changing and higher education is changing with it and so we're finding that many students want to have education that has an immediate connection to getting a job. So Connecticut being a manufacturing force has really driven a lot of our decision making," said Terrence Cheng, president of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities.
The governor says the program is a cost effective way for people to get the skills they need for a rewarding career. And at the same time it keeps these jobs in the state.
The dozen students who have already started the program will graduate in May.