August 25, 2025 (Middletown, Conn.) — CT State Community College Middlesex is proud to announce 11 students completed the Skill Up for Manufacturing training program during a ceremony on August 22. The intensive seven-week course is offered through Connecticut’s Workforce Alliance program. Classes took place at the Middlesex Precision Manufacturing Facility located at Vinal Technical High School in Middletown.

The state-funded non-credit course aims to bridge the manufacturing skills gap by offering a free training program for those who qualify. Participants earn a Six Sigma certification, an OSHA 10 safety card and receive job development support through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Six Sigma is a set of techniques and tools for process improvement.

In addition to basic manufacturing skills such as milling and turning, students learn skills in a simulated work environment. Middlesex also includes an introduction to plastics manufacturing. Another benefit of completing this course is that trainees receive job search assistance and are invited to hiring events and opportunities.

Kristyn LaPlante of Wallingford, Conn., found out about the program while at a career fair at Tweed-New Haven airport.

“My background is as a chef and in food preparation, but as an older student, I took this course to advance my career skills. And, I already have two job offers working in food quality assurance and manufacturing,” said LaPlante. “The instructors were amazing, and I highly recommend taking this course.”

Campus President Joshua Moon-Johnson, Ed.D., Director of Advanced Manufacturing Keith Carter, Ph.D., and Jean Arnold-Barry from Workforce Alliance congratulated the graduates during the special ceremony.

More than 400 individuals completed the Skill Up program throughout CT State since its inception in 2019, noted Arnold-Barry.

To qualify for the program, applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, be a Connecticut resident and able to work in the United States. Ideal candidates are interested in entry-level manufacturing jobs and open to future career advancement in the field. Basic computer skills or mechanical aptitude, along with proficiency in basic math, are also important for success in the program.

The Skill Up for Manufacturing program is accepting student applications for the fall Middletown class beginning on October 6.

For more information or to apply, please visit https://ctstate.edu/programs/skill-up or https://workforcealliance.biz/sufm.