CONNSTEP Newsletter | March 2025

CONNSTEP Proudly Introduces impaCT Workshops

CONNSTEP is proud to launch impaCT Workshops, a new initiative designed to help Connecticut manufacturers stay competitive, adopt best practices, and implement real-world solutions. These workshops provide hands-on learning, expert insights, and networking opportunities to drive meaningful improvements across manufacturing operations. ImpaCT Workshops will be held a few times each year, at various locations around the state, focused on trending topics.

Read more: connstep.org/news-media/media/connstep-proudly-introduces-impact-workshops

CT Manufacturing Careers Roadshow 2025

Inspire the next generation of manufacturers! Join ReadyCT for the CT Manufacturing Careers Roadshow 2025, a dynamic event designed to connect local students with the exciting world of modern manufacturing. This is your chance to showcase your company, your innovative technologies, and the rewarding career opportunities available right here in our community.

Read more: connstep.org/news-media/media/ct-manufacturing-careers-roadshow-2025

Recent Blogs

Why Quality Management is Non-Negotiable for Manufacturers

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive manufacturing landscape, maintaining impeccable quality is more than a necessity—it’s a strategic imperative. Quality management systems (QMS) serve as the backbone of this endeavor, ensuring that every product meets rigorous standards and fulfills customer expectations. This blog delves into the critical importance of quality management, the benefits of certifications like ISO 9001 and AS9100D, the role of internal audits, and the transformative power of artificial intelligence in quality measures.

Read more: connstep.org/news-media/media/why-quality-management-is-non-negotiable-for-manufacturers

Upcoming Training & Events

Training | Workshops
Quality Essentials Program – Spring 2025
Date: Tuesdays, April 3-May 8
Time: 9 am-3 pm
Location: Hartford

Webinar Series
Lean Thinking: How to Transform Your Company
Date: Thursday, April 17
Time: 11 am-12 noon
Location: Online

impaCT Workshop
CMMC Informational Breakfast with Anna Mumford
Date: Wednesday, May 7
Time: 8 am-10:30 am
Location: Farmington or Online – Hybrid

Webinar Series
CMMC Compliance: What You Need to Know
Date: Thursday, May 8
Time: 11 am-12 noon
Location: Online

Training | Workshops
Supervisor Bootcamp – Late Spring
Date: Fridays, May 9-June 27
Time: 8 am-12 noon
Location: New London

Training | Workshops
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Bootcamp
Date: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, May 13-May 27
Time: 8:30 am-12:00 pm
Location: Virtual

Manufacturing Meetup | Networking
Manufacturing Meetup: Blooms & Brews
Date: Tuesday, May 13
Time: 4:30-6:30 pm
Location: Danbury

impaCT Workshop
The Lean Progression presented by Bill Greider
Date: Wednesday, May 14
Time: 8 am-12 noon
Location: Waterbury

Webinar Series
CT SMARTE
Date: Thursday, June 12
Time: 11 am-12 noon
Location: Online

impaCT Workshop
The Lean Turnaround presented by Art Byrne
Date: Wednesday, June 18
Time: 8 am-11:30 am
Location: Glastonbury

More Upcoming Events

• South Central CT Manufacturing Careers Roadshow 2025 | April 2 | 9 am-12 pm
• Doing Business with NASA and Their Primes | April 3 | 7 am-3:30 pm
• HR Roundtable: EEO & Workplace Policies in a Changing Legal Landscape | April 10 | 9 am-10:30 am
• Evening of Education at MASC | April 17 | 5:30-7:30 pm
• 2025 Connecticut Workforce Summit: Developing Future-Ready Talent | April 22 | 8 am-3 pm
• Partnering with ReadyCT: Build your Future Workforce | April 24 | 1-2 pm
• Manufacturing ConneCTion Fair & College Career/Internship Fair | May 15 | 8AM-2:30 pm
• CT Manufacturing Careers Roadshow | May-October

Manufacturing News

• What Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers Need to Know About Implementing CMMC 
• How Manufacturers Can Build a Sustainable, Local Workforce Pipeline
• SBA Announces Made in America Manufacturing Initiative 
• NIST “Rething Your Supply Chain Strategy for Better Outcomes” Blog
• NIST Awards $15 Million to ASTM International to Establish Standardization Center of Excellence
• Marketing Strategies for Manufacturers: How Building Community Helps Build Your Business
• Required Historical PFAS Reporting Poses Risks Going Forward
  
• Understanding Federal and State Child Labor Laws
• Mastering Inventory Management: Techniques and Strategies for Manufacturers

Manufacturing Resources

Capstone Projects

Each year, dozens of manufacturing companies present engineering schools in Connecticut universities with design challenges they encounter in their business. Students research and analyze the problem, and typically end up with a solution—a design, a model, a working prototype.

Ideally, it’s a win-win for the company and the students: the company has their problem solved and students get hands-on experience problem solving.

CONNSTEP will coordinate the connection between the manufacturer and the university, and assist the process as needed.

Master Digital Thread Manufacturing
Unlock your potential at the cutting-edge Digital Thread Manufacturing Lab.

Grants for Manufacturers 
Grant programs designed to help Connecticut manufacturers acquire the skills, tools, and resources needed to keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing ecosystem.

CONNSTEP’s Downloads & Materials
Discover key resources and information to help your organization overcome challenges and meet its goals to advance your business growth, enhance your manufacturing capabilities, and sustain your competitiveness in the industry.

Additional Resources

• Career ConneCT
• CBIA
• CCAT
• Connecticut Manufacturing Ambassadors
• CONNEX Connecticut
• Connecticut Office of Manufacturing
• FORGE Connecticut
• Manufacturing Skills for Connecticut

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