This is a call to action for employers: when you support Connecticut workers you benefit your bottom line. Whether you are interested in mentoring a jobseeker, referring potential employees for services, participating in a skills survey, or addressing training needs, your participation is vital to the success of the CT STEM Jobs initiative.
CT STEM Jobs seeks to engage and support Connecticut employers in a variety of ways, leveraging your talents and resources to increase and improve the pipeline of workers skilled in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Employers can participate in the CT STEM Jobs initiative in the following ways:
- Advise individuals aspiring for new and better careers related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by serving as a CT STEM Jobs Career Mentor.
- Complete an online survey to assess employers' current and future demand for STEM skills - primarily in entry level positions - to better inform the delivery of employee training.
- Develop customized training programs based on your hiring needs. Email CT STEM Jobs to learn more.
- Search our Connecticut STEM Resources Directory for STEM educational and career resources available in Connecticut and on the web.
- Register as a CT STEM Jobs employer to receive updates and information related to your areas of interest.
Connecticut STEM Success Stories
Elizabeth Strader, Drafter, General Dynamics Electric Boat
Whitcraft LLC, Eastford, CT
Employers, educators, and workforce professionals: Please email us to suggest other STEM Employer Success stories to profile here.
After graduating from Ledyard High School, Elizabeth Strader got a job bussing tables at a restaurant in Foxwoods, but she knew she wanted a job with a more stable income and greater career potential. When she heard that Electric Boat (EB) needed Drafters to work on a new submarine project, she applied. EB Human Resources staff told her they were interested, but she lacked required technical skills including mechanical drafting techniques and math skills. They informed her that, through their partnership with the Eastern Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), she could acquire the skills required for the position through short-term technical training offered by Three Rivers Community College and Penn Foster, a provider of online technical courses.
Elizabeth enrolled in the training, completed the required courses, and reapplied for the Drafter job. EB hired her to work in its Groton facility operating a CATIA Computer Assisted Design (CAD) system. After a year on the job, she enrolled in an Apprenticeship program � EB pays for her to take courses toward her Associate�s Degree at Three Rivers Community College.
Elizabeth now receives regular raises based on her increasing skill level. She looks forward to getting her Associate�s Degree and progressing through the five-year Apprenticeship to become a Senior Drafter and then Designer. Elizabeth took the initiative, made the most of available training, studied hard, and is well on her way to a rewarding, high-wage technical career.
Register on CTSTEMJobs.org or contact the STEM Coach in your region to take the first step towards your future in a STEM Career.
Whitcraft, an aerospace components manufacturer in Eastford CT, specializes in formed sheet metal parts, precision machined components, and fabricated parts. Whitcraft President Jeff Paul understands the value of investing in skills upgrades for his workers. The company has taken advantage of the Eastern Workforce Investment Board (EWIB) Incumbent Worker Training program to provide training such as blueprint reading and �shop math� (a blend of algebra, geometry and trigonometry leading to a 2,000-hour sheet metal apprenticeship). Whitcraft�s focus on continuous improvement and growing the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills of their workers makes them a STEM success story.
Visit the CT STEM Jobs Employers Page to learn how your company can increase your competitiveness by building a stronger workforce.
State Representative Denise Merrill touring Whitcraft LLC in Eastford with Whitcraft President Jeff Paul.