EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Manufacturing EducationThe Connecticut State Technology Extension Program (CONNSTEP)is the state’s leading resource organization assisting businesses to remain competitive through continuous improvement, growth services and “green-collar” practices all in support of the Connecticut economy.
“CONNSTEP follows a total approach methodology to support manufacturers and other service industries,” explains President Bonnie Del Conte. “Our continuous improvement/lean and quality services provide solutions and tools for operational efficiency, where growth services align
through marketplace innovations, helping clients develop profitable growth. Training programs for green-collar workers provide a pathway for sustainability and support of our national focus on environmental responsibility. Smart companies realize that it is crucial to strategically
position themselves for this new global recovery. They must be efficient through continuous improvement, as well as, innovative in what they sell or produce.
“CONNSTEP has positioned itself accordingly by offering new services such as TWI [Training Within the Industry]. Our affiliation with the National Institute of Standards & Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership [NIST/MEP] program and collaboration with [the state’s] Department of Economic & Community Development and [other] state economic-development organizations allows us to help small to mid-sized companies with new opportunities for business growth through the National Innovation Marketplace. This is a user-friendly methodology for new product development with a scientifically proven
process,” says Del Conte. CONNSTEPhas 26 employees, but as a NIST/MEP affiliate can access expertise nationwide.
1090 Elm St., Suite 202,
Rocky Hill 06067. 800-266-6672,[email protected] , connstep.org.
The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology is a private non-profit
organization that provides services and resources to entrepreneurs and
businesses. One such service is the Connecticut Quality Council (CQC), which offers training opportunities, seminars and on-site
workshops for companies seeking workforce
improvements.
Explains Robert Torrani, CCAT’s director of manufacturing and supply chain initiative, “Businesses are continually challenged to perform faster, better,
cheaper — by customers, by global competition and by Wall Street. To address this challenge CQC promotes and enhances quality and continuous improvement. We do this by offering a forum for exchange of information, networking, providing education and training opportunities, being a resource of information
and disseminating best practices. Our scope includes Six Sigma, lean and other improvement methods designed to enhance
organizational performance. We also continue to offer many of the Total Quality Management tools.” To help meet that mission, CQC offers “a wide range of workshops that provide training in
process-improvement methodologies, special programs covering timely topics designed to keep attendees in the know, networking events to provide quality professionals with a vehicle for information exchange and our annual conference, which has brought in leading experts to provide insight to
practitioners,” Torrani says. “Some firms definitely cut back on training and related activities during downturns, others much less so,” he adds. “Progressive companies see the
opportunity to retool their skills while things are slow so that they will be ready for the upturn. Those that invest in themselves during down times generally bounce back faster when the economy rebounds. Also, those that focus on lean methodologies tend to be more resilient
during downturns because of their emphasis on more effectively and efficiently producing goods or services.”
Member companies represent the health care, manufacturing, insurance and banking industries and in the aggregate employ more than 23,000 workers. 222 Pitkin St., Hartford 06108. 860-282-429,
ccat.us/cqc.
The Connecticut Quality Improvement Award (CQIA) is the nation’s first state-level quality award using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for Performance Excellence criteria in a campaign to advance innovative programs that improve quality,
performance and marketplace
competitiveness. The “Five Steps to the Baldrige Award” — including the entry-level CQIA Innovation Prize, midlevel Breakthrough Award and highest level Leadership Quality Award — recognize manufacturing and service companies, health care, education, government and other not-for-profit organizations. P.O. Box 1396, Stamford 06904. 203-322-9534, [email protected] , ctqualityaward.org. ISO 9000 is a series of international standards established for quality assurance and quality management. International standardization establishes quality guidelines to harmonize standards for similar technologies in different countries or regions. ISO makes it possible to agree on world standards applicable to all. The series applies to all types of products and services.
SAI Global provides international training and consulting to help companies form strategies for
appropriate levels of ISO 9001 as well as other
improvement techniques for management and production to comply with regulations and standards. ISO 9001 e-Learning courses available.
800-374-3818,
saiglobal.com/training/assura nce/us.htm
Central Connecticut State University’s Institute for Technology & Business Development (ITBD) offers ISO 9000 certification
information. Outreach program provides
competitive advantages to companies through access to technical training, skill development and industrial modernization. Technical Training Center, 185 Main St., New Britain 06051. 860-832-0704,
web.ccsu.edu/itbd/trainingce nter.htm.
Tooling U is a leading provider of online training for manufacturers, offering a range of content to train machine operators, welders, assemblers, inspectors and maintenance professionals. Onsite consultation and live support are available. 866-706-8665,
toolingu.com.
Business Centers and Programs
Central Connecticut State University’s U.S.-China Business Center develops programs to promote understanding of doing business in China and the potential of exporting to the China market. It also assists U.S. companies and
individuals in conducting business in China. 1615 Stanley St., New Britain 06050. 860-832-1891,
ccsu.edu/page.cfm?p=3506. Entrepreneurial Centerat University of Hartford trains individuals to start and grow their own businesses, with a focus on women business owners. Aspiring entrepreneurs of all income levels are encouraged to participate. Provides self-assessment workshops, business management workshops, support in seeking capital, access to business advisors and networking groups, and referrals to professional services. 50 Elizabeth St., Hartford 06105. 860-768-5681, entrectr @hartford.edu, hartford.edu/cpd/ec/default.a spx.
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small-Business Training Network (SBTN) is an Internet-based virtual campus that provides a comprehensive menu of business courses to meet the needs of prospective and existing small-business owners. Free online courses, workshops, publications, resources, electronic counseling and technical assistance are available to educate and empower
small-business leaders.
sba.gov/training/index.html. The Small Business Center at Gateway Community College offers an associate degree program, college credit courses, workshops, free counseling services, designated computers with small-business software and a small-business library resource center for existing or potential entrepreneurs and small-business owners. The New Haven chapter of SCORE offers counselors offering advice and support for current and potential small business owners. Long Wharf Campus, 60 Sargent Dr., Room 207A, New Haven 06511. 203-865-7645,
University of Connecticut Center for International Business Education & Research (CIBER) is mandated by the federal Department of Education to increase U.S.
competitiveness globally. CIBER provides global business-education courses, research and outreach. 2100 Hillside Rd., U-1041, Storrs 06269. 860-486-5458, [email protected] n.edu ,
business.uconn.edu/cms/p12 39.
University of Connecticut Family Business Program provides families in business with professional advice, education and peer networks to add value to family-owned and entrepreneurial
organizations. Develop strategies and policies to perpetuate family ownership.
2100 Hillside Rd., Storrs 06269-1041. 860-486-5628, [email protected] onn.edu , business.uconn.edu/familybu siness.
The University of New Haven Center for Family Business fosters the health and continuity of family businesses by providing educational and
informational services to family business owners and their advisors. Seeks to balance the well-being of the business, the family and the individuals involved. 300 Boston Post Rd., West Haven 06516. 203-932-7421,
newhaven.edu/cfb. Colleges
Albertus Magnus College
Offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Accelerated degree programs and certificate programs offer evening and online classes for employed adults pursuing education. Arts therapy graduate degree is the only one in Connecticut. Courses offered in New Haven and East Hartford.
700 Prospect St., New Haven 06511. 203-773-8550,
albertus.edu.
Gateway Community College
Offers degree and certificate programs from nursing to computer networking, to green building and culinary. GCC offers an alternative fuels technology course featuring an overview of sustainable energy, green technologies and advanced auto technologies, intended to provide entry-level skills necessary to compete in the new green-collar workforce.
Long Wharf campus: 60 Sargent Dr., New Haven 06511. North Haven campus: 88 Bassett Rd., North Haven 06473. 203-285-2000, 800-390-7723, gwcc.commnet.edu. Housatonic Community College
Offers associate degrees from business administration to occupational or physical therapy assistant and
certificates, HCC also offers multiple continuing
education classes for business and medical field interests. This year the school offers a professional bartending course with Servers and Managers Alcohol Responsibility Training (S.M.A.R.T.) certification, and newly created weatherization auditor and weatherization technician courses help meet energy conservation measures. 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport 06604. 203-332-5000, hcc.commnet.edu. Naugatuck Valley Community College Offers associate degree and certificate programs with continuing education and online options for those needing the flexibility to meet educational goals. Will offer a new Alternative Energy Systems Technology Certificate. 750 Chase Pkwy., Waterbury 06708. 203-575-8040,
nvcc.commnet.edu.
Post University Offers undergraduate degrees in fields including business, IT, education, health, security and social services. Accelerated Degree Division enables an online program for a master’s degree in human services or business administration. 800 Country Club Rd.,
Waterbury 06723. 203-596-4500, post.edu.
Quinnipiac University Offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including MBA offerings in supply-chain management, health-care management, chartered financial analyst as well as graduate certificates in health care administration.
275 Mount Carmel Ave., Hamden 06518. 203-582-8200, quinnipiac.edu.
Southern Connecticut State University
Offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs, SCSU is one of the largest educators of employees in greater New Haven. Of special interest is an accelerated entry program for those looking to make a career change to nursing. MSN and certificate
programs are available to prepare nurses to teach nursing. Graduate-level certificate program in emergency disaster
management helps students expand existing emergency management duties. SCSU is the first Connecticut
institution to earn approval to offer an “Educational Coach” program to certified teachers, administrators, counselors and school psychologists, intended to help them provide a diversified program to address the educational needs of all of their students.
501 Crescent St., New Haven 06515. 203-392-5200,
southernct.edu.
University of Bridgeport Offers undergraduate and graduate programs and has many programs to
complement its international student body. Among them is an internationally focused MBA as well as a master’s degree in global
development and peace which includes an overseas internship. A MS in
biomedical engineering is available. 126 Park Ave. Bridgeport 06604. 203-576-4000, bridgeport.edu.
University of
Connecticut/Waterbury UConn’s Waterbury campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Graduate programs include MBA, teacher’s certification program for college
graduates and programs leading to master’s of social work or a master’s degree in nursing. 99 E. Main St., Waterbury 06702. 203-236-9800, waterbury.uconn.edu.
University of New Haven Offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Several new graduate
offerings have been added to a large number of career offerings. UNH offers Connecticut’s only master’s in industrial engineering and offers courses on sustainable energy and a new certificate in biomedical engineering, as well as degree programs in criminal justice and forensic sciences. Also offered is an MBA for emerging leaders and an MS in labor relations.
300 Boston Post Rd., West Haven 06516. 203-932-7000,
newhaven.edu.
Western Connecticut State University/Waterbury
WestConn/Waterbury offers local students a convenient location to take courses for the completion of a bachelor of business administration in management or a bachelor of science in nursing on the campus of Naugatuck Valley CC. Scheduled to
accommodate working students. Founders Hall 129, 750 Chase Pkwy., Waterbury 06708. 203-596-8777,
wcsu.edu/waterbury. Yale University
Yale offers undergraduate and graduate degree
programs. New are a series of green chemistry and green engineering courses.
Comprehensive array of graduate programs. Among them is a joint degree program in which students combine MBA studies with the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. A Leadership in Healthcare MBA for executives is scheduled for working professionals. 149 Elm St. New Haven 06520. 203-432-4771, yale.edu. Vocational Technical Schools Connecticut Technical High School System Prepares students for post-secondary education, entry into apprenticeship programs and immediate productive employment. Responds to emerging and changing workforce needs and expectations through
business/school partnerships. Technical programs offered in auto technology,
carpentry, computer-aided drafting, culinary arts, drafting, environmental science electrical, hair/cosmetology, hospitality, HVAC and plumbing.
Post-secondary programs are available for Licensed Practical Nurse and aircraft maintenance. cttech.org Check individual area schools for programs available:
Bullard-Havens Technical High School, Bridgeport
500 Palisade Ave.,
Bridgeport 06610. 203-579-6333, cttech.org/bullard-havens/
Eli Whitney Technical High School
71 Jones Rd. Hamden 06514. 203-397-4031,
cttech.org/whitney/
Emmett O’Brien Technical High School
141 Prindle Ave., Ansonia 06401 203-732-1800,
cttech.org/obrien/ Platt Technical High School
600 Orange Ave., Milford 06461. 203-783-5300,
cttech.org/platt/ Stratford School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians 200 Great Meadow Rd. Stratford 06615. 203-381-9250, cttech.org/ssamt/index.htm W.F. Kaynor Technical High School 43 Tompkins St. Waterbury 06708. 203-596-4302, cttech.org/kaynor/
