The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston published a regional update on a Connecticut visit by President Susan M. Collins and First Vice President Karen Pennell, where manufacturers and business leaders described workforce shortages and training needs as a binding constraint and highlighted sector-led training partnerships as a practical response. The itinerary included the Eastern Connecticut Manufacturing Pipeline training site at Ella T. Grasso Technical High School and a tour of Electric Boat in Groton, followed by a workforce-focused roundtable at the Connecticut Business & Industry Association in Hartford. Electric Boat linked its expanded training approach to the need to staff construction of Columbia-class nuclear submarines after a post–Cold War hiring slowdown, with school partnerships forming the basis of the pipeline. The program, developed with the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board, uses a “demand-driven” model where curricula and equipment align with specific local employer job needs, companies interview and select students, and graduates have jobs available on completion. Business leaders also cited wage inflation, high living costs, retirements and loss of experienced skills, alongside potential mitigants including automation and AI and earlier engagement with community colleges and public schools.
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston 2025-02-21
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston spotlights Eastern Connecticut Manufacturing Pipeline as employers flag recruiting and training constraints
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston reported on a Connecticut visit by President Susan M. Collins and First Vice President Karen Pennell, highlighting workforce shortages and training needs for manufacturers. The visit included a tour of Electric Boat, emphasizing its expanded training for Columbia-class nuclear submarines. Business leaders noted wage inflation, high living costs, and skill loss, with potential solutions including automation, AI, and partnerships with educational institutions.