Discover key manufacturing jobs
Connecticut is home to world-famous manufacturers and suppliers. They are leaders in fabrication, innovation, and precision. These firms provide parts for medical devices, jet engines, helicopters, nuclear submarines, and much more. You may know the names of some, including Bic, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Kaman, Otis Elevator, Sikorsky, Stanley Black & Decker, and Xerox.
These organizations provide valuable training and education programs and resources:
- CT Office of Manufacturing: Stay up to date on the latest manufacturing training opportunities in the state.
- Workforce Alliance's Skill Up for Manufacturing: Put your strengths to work and gain the skills needed to move quickly into entry-level manufacturing jobs. Complete the application form online to attend free five-week classes.
- CT Office of Apprenticeship Training: Learn all about becoming an apprentice, including the work and classes you'll complete on your way to earning credentials and launching into your career.
- EWIB Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (MPI): Get no-cost training and get in the pipeline to some of Connecticut's biggest manufacturers.
- BuildConnecticut Apprenticeship Training Resources: Learn about training programs by trade and discover large training providers in the state.
Explore details about typical jobs in the manufacturing industry:
- Manufacturing Technician
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Quality Control Analyst in Advanced Manufacturing
- CAD Designer
Manufacturing Technician
The job: Set up, run, and maintain manufacturing equipment and assembly processes to make products. Monitor and check product quality to make sure it meets the requirements and description.
Common job titles: Production Technician, Production Associate, Manufacturing Associate, Manufacturing Operator, Manufacturing Team Member, Manufacturing Operative, Production Operative, Production Team Member
Training and education: These jobs usually require a high school diploma or GED with vocational-technical classwork or training. Some require a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree.
- CareerConneCT: You can get started with free short-term training.
- You can learn skills for these jobs with programs by the Connecticut State Community College system, including:
- Certificate: Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology Certificate Option 1
- Associate degree: Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology Option 1
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders
The job: Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
Common job titles: Bore Mill Operator, CNC Drilling Operator (Computer Numerical Control Drilling Operator), CNC Machinist, Drill Operator, Drill Press Operator, Drill Setup Operator, Machine Operator, Punch Operator, Radial Drill Operator, Setup Mill Operator
Education:
- This job requires a high school diploma or GED, preferably from a technical school. Similar work experience helps.
- You can learn skills for these jobs with these programs by the Connecticut State Community College system, including:
- Certificate: Welding and Fabrication Technologies Certificate
- Associate degree: Welding & Fabrication
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
The job: Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Common job titles: Engineering Laboratory Technician, Engineering Technical Analyst, Engineering Technician, Engineering Technologist, Manufacturing Engineering Technician, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Technician, Process Engineering Technician, Process Technician, Research and Development (R&D) Technician
Education: These jobs usually require a certificate or associate degree.
- You can earn these at the Connecticut State Community College system. Their programs allow you to focus on specific fields, such as robotics, and welding.
Training Programs
- CareerConneCT: You can get started with free short-term training.
Quality Control Analyst
The job: People in this role usually check or test machines, tools, materials, in-process products, or finished products to make sure they meet quality or safety standards.
Common job titles: Analyst, auditor, tester, quality coordinator, quality analyst, quality engineer, and quality control technician.
Education: These jobs usually require a technology certificate, associate degree, or related work experience.
Training Programs
- CareerConneCT: You can get started with free short-term training.
CAD Designer or Mechanical Drafter
The job: Create design plans for buildings and machinery. Create 2D or 3D technical drawings using computer-aided design (CAD) systems, such as AutoCAD and Revit. These technical drawings are used for manufacturing parts and equipment.
Common job titles: AutoCAD Designer, AutoCAD Operator, CAD Designer, CAD Technician, Computer-Aided Designer, Design Drafter, Drafter, Drafting Technician, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Drafter, Product Designer, Project Designer
Education: Employers usually require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree. You can learn more with these programs at the Connecticut State Community College system:
- Certificates: CAD User Certificate
- Associate degree: Manufacturing Engineering Technology