MET Zone Helps Students Explore Careers in Manufacturing, Technology

Bridgeport, Conn. — Oct. 2, 2024 — One of the more intriguing developments at this week’s Southern Connecticut College & Career Fair was a dedicated area to showcase career pathways in manufacturing, engineering and technology, or MET. This space, known as MET Zone, brought together companies in industries with the highest demand for jobs to give candidates a chance to engage with representatives directly and explore career opportunities.

MET Zone is sponsored by regional sector partnerships Southwest Connecticut Tech Hub and the Southwest Connecticut Manufacturing Partnership, or SWCMP. This sponsorship allowed manufacturing and tech companies to exhibit at the fair at no cost so they could directly connect with students about internships, apprenticeships and entry-level positions. The fair was held Oct. 1 at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport.

The MET Zone initiative is the latest example of a broader commitment across Connecticut and the nation to encourage workforce development, spearheaded by the Good Jobs Challenge Initiative. Public-private partnership Stamford Partnership received a Good Jobs Challenge grant and a Strengthening Sector Partnerships Initiative grant last fall to expand career opportunities and provide training for diverse communities. Stamford Partnership is a co-convener of the Southwest Connecticut Tech Hub, a co-sponsor of MET Zone that connects the region’s tech employers with top tech talent.

“One of the areas we focus on is expanding the talent pool as we grow our organization,” says Christopher Bishop, a business development specialist with Microboard, a MET Zone member company. “We strongly support in-house training to help employees who may have started on the manufacturing floor develop their skills and move into new roles. The Good Jobs Challenge grant helps individuals get the baseline training they need to evolve and make the move into new sectors in manufacturing and technology.”

“MET Zone delivers in a very practical, focused way the larger mission of the Good Jobs Challenge grant to support pathways to middle class jobs in Connecticut,” explains Patricia Meyer, director of the Good Jobs Challenge Program at the Stamford Partnership. “MET Zone provides us an opportunity to highlight the jobs, career pathways, education and training for the tech sector in Connecticut while informing students and parents on their options.”

The Bridgeport Regional Business Council, or BRBC, which powers SWCMP, also received grant funding from the Good Jobs Challenge Initiative. BRBC is the largest business association in the greater Bridgeport region. The council brings together businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals to forge strategic partnerships and inspire collaborative ventures. SWCMP covers a larger area and includes companies, community organizations, workforce boards and educators in 20 cities and towns in the southwest region of Connecticut.

“Most students don’t even think about a career in manufacturing as they lack exposure to how things are made,” says Denise Weaver, director of SWCMP, who manages its Good Jobs Challenge Initiative. “We’re looking for ways to get students on the manufacturing floors and to consider manufacturing careers. MET Zone aligns with my intent to build strong relationships with local companies, training providers, community groups and educators to help individuals seek opportunities in manufacturing and gain the capabilities they need to succeed and grow.”

The manufacturing and technology emphasis among the MET Zone exhibitor companies appealed to Riley, a young professional and Greenwich resident.

“I’m eager to explore a more fulfilling work opportunity and a possible career move to manufacturing or technology,” he says. “There seem to be a number of manufacturing jobs in our area which don’t necessarily require a college degree or prior experience, which is good news.”

The exhibitor companies at MET Zone, besides the two regional sector partnership sponsors, are Benchmark IT, Hampford Research Inc, Interactive Brokers, Kitchen Brains, KUBTEC, Microboard, Nuvance Health, OEM Controls, PTA Plastics, Stelray Plastic Products, Inc., and The WorkPlace.

The Southern Connecticut College & Career Fair offers students from Fairfield and New Haven counties the chance to meet and learn about colleges, universities, businesses and other programs in Connecticut and across the country all in one place. The fair attracts more than 185 programs and is open to all high school students and families.

About SWCMP

SWCMP is a network of manufacturing leaders and community partners from across the region that are united in their efforts to enhance education, workforce training programs and economic development in the manufacturing industry. SWCMP fosters collaboration and connections to drive the growth and success of the manufacturing industry throughout Southwest Connecticut. From Bridgeport and Shelton to Stamford and Norwalk, SWCMP works with companies, educators (K-12, colleges, universities, adult education), nonprofit organizations and state agencies across the region. Its members exchange best practices, discuss opportunities and challenges, share job openings, and participate in exclusive networking events to support industry growth. More information is available by contacting Denise Weaver at denise@brbc.org.

About Southwest Connecticut Tech Hub

Representing more than 50 tech and tech-enabled businesses, the Southwest Connecticut Tech Hub, a regional sector partnership, has a mission to further cultivate Greater Fairfield County as one of the nation’s industry-leading technology hubs. The Southwest Connecticut Tech Hub is home to a vibrant community that consists of innovative companies and leading talent. The four pillars of the partnership are Agenda Setting, Strategic Partnerships, Community Building and Workforce Development. More information about its engagement and training initiatives can be found at cttechhub.org.