In other states, what the Connecticut Technical High School System (CTHSS) offers would constitute programs at a junior college. In Connecticut, the offerings are a free high school option, a valuable track to a career with good pay and solid options for advancement.

Go take a look during an open house and talk to the students and instructors to learn about this resource in a state known for its highly skilled technical workforce. Bring along your daughter or son, invite the neighbors – see the options, especially if students are hands-on problem solvers with ingenuity. (Also summer and adult career-changing options – so ask about these while on a visit or to follow up.) Students who choose CT Tech High Schools have these options: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Audio/Visual Technology and Communications, Digital Media and Sound Production, Health and Biotechnology, Fashion Merchandising and Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Management and Entrepreneurship; Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) cluster, Pre-Electrical Engineering and Applied Electronics; Information Technology. Electronics Manufacturing Automated Manufacturing, Mechanical Design & Engineering, Mechatronics, Precision Machining, Welding and Metal Fabrication. Culinary. Transportation Distribution and Logistics, Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing, Automotive Tech Diesel and Heavy-Duty Equipment Repair.

One of the best-kept secrets is the interaction with business owners – face to face, and sharing their knowledge and experience. Apprentices are introduced to potential companies and both benefit from the exchange. CTHSS currently operates 17 diploma-granting technical high schools, one technical education center and two aviation maintenance programs. The system serves approximately 11,200 full-time high school and adult day students, with comprehensive education and training in 31 occupational areas, and 2,000 apprenticeship students.

CTHSS is the largest high school system in the state, serving all geographic regions, demographics and diverse populations.

CTHSS will host open houses across the state to highlight its commitment to developing a skilled workforce.

Each open house is free and open to the public. Dates, times and locations include:

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 
Norwich Tech, Norwich, 4:45 – 7:00 p.m. • 
Wolcott Tech, Torrington, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 17
, Bristol TEC, Bristol, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. • 
Prince Tech, Hartford, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

With companies like United Technologies, Electric Boat, Pratt and Whitney and Sikorsky recently announcing plans to expand operations in Connecticut, as well as state investments in smaller manufacturing businesses, the state is primed for a boom in its manufacturing industry and a subsequent need for skilled workers to fill new jobs. The CTHSS is positioning itself as a crucial asset to the manufacturing workforce, investing in new and renovated facilities, aligning programs with industry accreditation and building relationships with businesses to create programs that will prepare students to fill anticipated workforce needs.

One of the primary ways this partnership is benefitting both the CTHSS and state businesses is through the Work-Based Learning program, in which students spend part of their shop cycle working at participating businesses, getting real-world experience that often translates into full-time jobs after graduation.

“Workforce development is critical to meeting the future manufacturing needs of the region, the state and the nation, and Connecticut’s technical high schools are feeding the pipeline of trained workers through our numerous programs,” said CTHSS Superintendent Dr. Nivea Torres. “Workforce development is economic development; Connecticut ranks 9th in the world for manufacturing productivity…”

As part of the growing initiative, the CTHSS has partnered with the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), which includes businesses like Electric Boat and Westminster Tool, as well as state agencies and representatives such as the Department of Labor and Congressman Joe Courtney, to be the first stop in a “manufacturing pipeline” that will satisfy workforce needs.

In order to provide students with additional skills needed to operate modern manufacturing technologies, the CTHSS has updated a number of its facilities, including unveiling brand new buildings at Emmett O’Brien Technical High School in Ansonia and Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden, as well as a new welding shop at Ella T. Grasso Technical High School in Groton. The system has also updated machinery and equipment throughout the state thanks to a five-year, $10 million state manufacturing expansion plan.

The mission of the Technical School System is to provide a “world-class, unique and rigorous learning environment for high school students and adult learners that ensures both student academic success and career technical education mastery, as well as promotes enthusiasm for lifelong learning; prepares students for post-secondary education, including apprenticeships and immediate productive employment; engages regional, state, national and international employers and industries in a vibrant collaboration to respond to current, emerging and changing global workforce needs and expectations; and pursues and participates in global partnerships that provide students with international exposure and experience.

The school is committed to providing a climate that fosters the growth and development of the whole person. The staff is dedicated to implementing challenging academic and trade curricula with state-of-the-art technology, equipping students with the necessary tools for success beyond our doors.”

For more information, visit cttech.org; on Twitter and Instagram at @CTTechHS; on Facebook at Connecticut Technical High School System.