Educational Initiatives
October 09, 2005, New Haven Environmental Management Project
The City of New Haven, in Partnership with the New Haven Manufacturers Association, Connstep and the United States Environmental Protection Agency are offering a unique training program for any New Haven Manufacturer who would like to develop or strengthen an Environmental Management System (EMS). A series of training sessions using the ISO 14001 EMS Model will be directed by a professional trainer from SAIC, Inc. The training is FREE. In addition to the training each company will receive site visits from Connstep to aid implantation of the training at their facility. Six Training sessions will be held monthly at the Mitchell Branch of the New Haven Public Library. For additional details contact Linda Darveau 617-918-1718 or email darveau.linda@epa.gov
August 29, 2005, Coordination with University of New Haven Engineering School
Jamison Scott and Jerry Clupper met with Dr. Barry J. Farbrother new Dean of Tagliatela School of Engineering at University of New Haven. The discussion focused on the need of a 21st century engineer trained not only in engineering but also business management. We learned about innovative programs the Dean looks to implement at the school. We also discussed how we at NHMA could partner with UNH on future programs.
May 24, 2005, Promoting Manufacturing Careers - Educating Our Future Workforce
The New Haven Manufacturers Association (NHMA) has joined forces with Workforce Alliance, Regional Growth Partnership, and the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce in a project that will leverage available job training and education programs. We will develop additional informational resources to expose middle and high school students throughout the region to the modern manufacturing workplace and the rewards of jobs in manufacturing.
We are asking each of you to commit to participate in three simple ways:
1. Provide financial support to the marketing effort ? we are asking each manufacturer to contribute $100 towards the cost of the materials that will be distributed to every middle school and high school in the South Central Connecticut Region. Our money will be increased by significant additional funding from all of our partners for this initiative. By making your check to the Workforce Alliance, a 501 (c) (3) not for profit corporation, your contribution will be tax deductible.
2. Accept one field trip to your factory per year ? area schools will identify students interested in manufacturing as a career and you will provide them tours of your facilities. The career and guidance staff will be bringing only those students who have expressed such an interest.
3. Make one school visit to explain your operations to the students ? we are asking that you, or a key individual in your company, make a presentation at an area school about manufacturing careers in general and/or what your company manufactures.
May 19, 2005, Platt Tech TTAC Meeting
Several members of NHMA, along with Dr. Abigail Hughes, superintendent of the state?s technical high school system meet at Platt Tech to discuss future opportunities, which focus on future workforce.
March 02, 2005, Connecticut State Board of Education
NHMA President Jamison Scott presented testimony on the importance of reforming the Technical High School to stregthen the education of the students:
I am here to support changes to the CTHSS that will create higher qualified graduates who will be able to compete in this ever-challenging business environment in CT.
My Grand-grandfather and Grandfather started in the sheet metal business in 1950. Business was different 55 years ago; today we are presented with a challenging situation. Manufacturers in Connecticut have a need for qualified employees who understand the needs of 21st century manufacturing technology.
I not only represent the needs of my families business; I am also the President of the New Haven Manufacturers Association, which represents over 70 manufacturers in the South Central Region of Connecticut. We have members with five employees and others with 500 employees, however we all have the same needs for a qualified workforce with strong math and science skills. We demand higher standards, in order to be competitive in this global economy! We need more emphasis on math, including requirements for all students in algebra and geometry. Today manufacturers require graduate to be proficient in skills, which will help manufacturing be competitive in Connecticut.
Just a few weeks ago I visited the manufacturing technology center at Platt Vocational -Technical School in Milford. Students entering the program has been at maximum capacity for the last two years, unfortunately some students have actually been turned away due to this problem. No student should be denied an opportunity to learn a trade!
By supporting the restructuring plan proposed by Dr. Abigail Hughes, superintendent of the state?s technical high school system you will help students learn a trade which will become a career!
February 08, 2005, Platt Tech
NHMA Programming Chair Ken Dugan, member of the Platt Tech TTEC Committee invited members to an Open House to tour the Manufacturing Technology Department. NHMA members have been instrumental in donating over $32,000 worth of manufacturing equipment and supplies over the last three months.