Gaining firsthand knowledge of the successful program that bolsters workforce development.

Congressman Jim Himes visited Housatonic Community College (HCC) on Tuesday, February 16 to gain firsthand knowledge of the college’s Advanced Manufacturing training program. The nine-month certificate program provides students with the cutting-edge manufacturing skills needed to enter Connecticut’s in-demand jobs in the industry.

Himes received a tour of the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center with Housatonic Community College CEO Dr. Dwayne Smith. There he met with students gaining the technical skills needed to become entry-level machinists and learned of partnerships the college has in place with manufacturing firms, helping students to become placed in internships and permanent positions upon graduation.

The tour provided Himes with a chance to personally see the successful career training program in action. The experience will inform him when proposing future legislation.

“I was excited to visit HCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center today to meet with Dr. Smith and some bright and energized students. Connecticut is a leader in advanced manufacturing because of our well-trained and dynamic workforce educated by institutions like HCC. I’m committed to taking the insight and advice from today’s visit back to Washington so we can craft policies that are not only responsive to the needs of today’s students and centers of higher learning, but ensure that HCC has the support it needs to continue its mission to prepare students for the future in an increasingly competitive world,” said Congressman Himes.

Connecticut is increasingly becoming focused on investing in short-term training programs and access to postsecondary education to enhance workforce development. Just last month Governor Lamont proposed legislation and announced that the state received a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to build career pathways in the information technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.

“It was an honor to have Congressman Himes on our campus to learn about our Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center and other initiatives such as STEAM and training certifications that are solutions to building a robust workforce. I look forward to working with his office on our priorities to advance our great institution,” said Dr. Dwayne Smith.

To learn more about Housatonic Community College and its Advanced Manufacturing program, visit www.Housatonic.edu.

Caption For Photo Above: Congressman Jim Himes toured Housatonic Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center to gain firsthand knowledge of the school’s successful training program. Left to right: Instructor of Manufacturing Technology Adam Scobie, Dwayne Smith, Ph.D., HCC Chief Executive Officer, Congressman Jim Himes.

Caption For Photo Right: HCC Advanced Manufacturing student Skyler Curcio of Derby, Congressman Jim Himes, HCC Advanced Manufacturing student Rophy Homicil of Bridgeport, Dwayne Smith, Ph.D., HCC Chief Executive Officer.