Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: CT State Asnuntuck & Morris Partnership

As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, so does its need for strong, hands-on education that keeps pace with industry demands. At CT State Asnuntuck, that vision is already in motion—where classrooms double as training grounds and community partnerships are central to student success.

Over the past several years, we've had the opportunity to collaborate with CT State Asnuntuck’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program based in Enfield, CT—supporting their mission not just with equipment, but with shared goals around workforce development, career access, and educational equity.

“We have a 90+ percent job placement rate,” says Mary Bidwell, Director of Advanced Manufacturing Technology at CT State Asnuntuck. “Most of our students complete the hands-on portion through the certificate in the first year, then enter the workforce—often with companies helping them continue their education one course at a time.”

Through programs in machining, welding and fabrication, robotics, and mechatronics, CT State Asnuntuck prepares students with real-world skills that directly translate into in-demand careers. Whether it’s a high schooler earning dual credit or an incumbent worker returning to retrain, the path is clear—and the outcomes are measurable.

Tools That Reflect the Industry

One of the keys to CT State Asnuntuck’s approach is ensuring students train on the kinds of technologies they’ll see in the field. That’s where the equipment comes in—not as a solution, but as a starting point for skill-building.

“The students get a great level of diversity as far as the different types of equipment they train on,” says Instructor Joe Marcelino. “That variety supports different levels of learning and really improves the quality of their training.”

One standout example is the Tsugami B0205-III Swiss CNC Lathe (shown above), donated by Travis Blackburn, Capital Accounts Manager at the Robert E. Morris Company. This industry-standard machine gives students hands-on experience with the same advanced technology they’ll use in the workforce.

Morris continues to support this alignment between education and industry by helping source and donate equipment that reflects real-world applications. These additions not only allow for smaller group instruction and more one-on-one machine time—they also build the kind of confidence students need to thrive on the shop floor.

“We always turn to Morris first when we’re looking at new equipment,” Bidwell shared. “Their customer service is top-notch.”

Creating Space for Opportunity

Classroom learning is just one piece of the puzzle. At CT State Asnuntuck, exposure to industry starts early. Companies are invited in to speak, host facility tours, and help instructors show students a broader picture of what a career in manufacturing can look like.

Kelly Payne, Advanced Manufacturing Technology Coordinator, regularly invites manufacturers to visit her Career Awareness course: “Morris came in, spoke with the students, brought materials, and shared what their company was all about. These kinds of visits are eye-opening—it helps students visualize their next step.”

Internships, industry-led interviews, resume building workshops, and advisory board input are all part of the experience. It’s that continuous conversation between classroom and shop floor that helps keep curriculum aligned with real-world needs.

“That’s why we’ve had such high placement rates over the years,” says Marcelino. “Because we’re listening to what the industry is asking for.”

Stories That Stick

The impact of the program is often best understood through its students. From career changers to first-time job seekers, the stories are powerful.

There’s the student who started with a small knife-making business in his garage and enrolled to refine his skills. Or the woman who joined after watching her family’s factory struggle with recurring maintenance issues—determined to take those challenges into her own hands. One student who had previously been incarcerated completed the machining program, found meaningful employment, and now owns a home and vehicle.

And in mechatronics, where systems thinking meets creative problem solving, students are tackling complex automation challenges—often earning advanced positions in local companies.

“You have to be part scientist, part artist,” says Jeremy Hernandez, Robotics and Mechatronics Instructor. “We like to call them the surgeons of the factory floor.”

Moving Forward, Together

CT State Asnuntuck is doing the work—training, mentoring, guiding—and they’re doing it well. We’ve simply been fortunate to walk alongside them.

Whether it’s helping source equipment, offering a showroom tour, or speaking with students about their future careers, the relationship has been built on trust, mutual support, and a shared commitment to strengthening the manufacturing workforce in our region.

As Bidwell summed up:

“Morris is a strong partner for CT State Asnuntuck and a valuable component of what we do here that makes us successful.”

Want to explore how your company can support manufacturing education in your community?
Let’s keep the conversation going. Contact us at: https://www.gotomorris.com/about/contact-morris/