Sen. Martin Focused On Getting More Students Interested in Pursuing Careers in the Trades

For Immediate Release

Sen. Martin Focused On Getting More Students Interested in Pursuing Careers in the Trades

Sen. Henri Martin (R-31) today said he plans to explore legislation to help get more students interested in pursuing careers in the trades.

“College isn’t for everyone,” Martin said. “And we have a major demand for jobs in the trades. Employers need more welders, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians. They also need people with manufacturing skills as well as culinary arts training. We need to listen to our job creators. As lawmakers, we should work together to create those paths to lifelong careers right here in Connecticut.”

Martin, who is Ranking Senator on the legislature’s Commerce Committee, said he intends to work with Democrats and Republicans to forge future policy solutions to address employers’ needs in central Connecticut and throughout the state.

“Stonington High School, for example, has a program that allows students to take a course which enables them to receive up to 150 hours of credit towards an apprenticeship in one of nine construction trades which include carpentry, electrical, building construction technology, HVAC, painting and finishing, masonry, plumbing, landscaping, and weatherization,” Martin said. “This is a role model program for Connecticut – an excellent idea which we should examine and expand upon in each of our communities. Let’s seize this opportunity.”

Sen. Martin has consistently worked to expand apprenticeship training to better prepare young people for jobs in multiple different fields throughout Connecticut.

“Our common goal as Democrats and Republicans should be to give more young people an opportunity to develop the job skills Connecticut businesses are looking for,” Martin said. “Let’s make sure those who are not going to pursue a four-year degree still have many pathways to quality employment and rewarding careers which enable them to address the demands of Connecticut’s employers.”

Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) and Deputy Republican Leader Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) expressed support for Sen. Martin’s initiative.

On the web: www.SenatorHenriMartin.com