Governor Ned Lamont announced on April 30 that Lincoln Technical Institute’s new coursework in electrical and electronic systems technology, as well as air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating systems, has been certified to meet the standards required for registered apprenticeship training in Connecticut. The announcement was made during an event in New Britain with Connecticut Department of Labor Deputy Commissioner Mark Polzella and Office of Apprenticeship Director Todd Berch as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
The newly certified programs are designed to prepare workers for careers that are expected to be in high demand over the next several years. The state is projected to add more than 13,000 positions in HVAC and electrical fields by 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Connecticut is committed to workforce development and preparing highly skilled workers for in-demand careers,” Governor Lamont said. “Registered apprenticeships are a great way to develop a diverse, job-ready workforce that meet the needs of employers and provide good careers for workers. Congratulations to Lincoln Technical Institute and our Department of Labor on getting these courses out there.”
Deputy Commissioner Polzella said, “Today underscores the importance of partnerships in preparing the next generation of registered apprentices. These are important jobs that require specific expertise – skills that Connecticut’s registered apprentices will now have. I commend the Lincoln Technical Institute team for ensuring their curriculum reflects real-world advances in the skilled trades.”
The revised coursework incorporates recent advances in electrical and HVAC technology along with expanded professional skills instruction. Classes are scheduled to begin at Lincoln Tech’s New Britain, East Windsor, and Shelton campuses pending final regulatory approval.
Lincoln Technical Institute CEO Scott Shaw said, “In addition to our technical training, Lincoln students leave our programs career-ready, professional, and proficient in other skills important to employers. As technology advances, so must the training we offer to our students who are interested in becoming Registered Apprentices. We are very pleased to celebrate these changes with Governor Lamont and our partners at the Connecticut Department of Labor.”
Director Berch described registered apprenticeships as “the gold standard in workforce training.” He said workers benefit from being hired while receiving academic instruction and professional development necessary for their area of expertise.
Employers interested in developing apprenticeship programs can contact CTDOL’s Office of Apprenticeship Training through its website portal.ct.gov/dol/divisions/apprenticeships/region-contact-listing.
