Technical Development Committee Report

May 2026 – by Al Mangels

The NESMA Technical Development Committee (TDC) meeting was held virtually on May 13th, 2026.

Our efforts to update and maintain our roster appear to have been worthwhile, as our meeting was well attended, and we got re-acquainted with representatives from several “local” schools and partners. As we recognize the geographical concentration of spring companies around Bristol, we also realize that it would be impossible for our committee to interface with every school in the broad region of all NESMA members.

We have, however, focused some attention on the statewide CTECS system of technical high schools across CT. Andrea Tarantino has developed an interactive web-based map tool that displays CTECS school locations and contact information to help NESMA members establish connections with the schools closest to them. The tool was introduced at the meeting, and we hope for further development of the tool, integrating location-based features and directions. We hope that members also recognize that contacting these schools will probably result in introducing the member to the local workforce development community that these schools participate in, such as other Regional Sector Partnerships, schools and partners.

We mentioned that work on the new SMI course “204- Flat Spring and Spring Washer Design” is almost complete, and should be by the end of June, pending peer review. Once completed, we can focus attention on our third strategic goal for 2026, the development of a comprehensive springmaker training curriculum. I have remained in touch with Rich Dupont who is optimistic about eventual placement of the program at the MASC center, but it is hoped that such a curriculum could also be used elsewhere, at other institutions, or even in-house at a member company.

Meanwhile, various career events continue to occur now and throughout the summer, with some events already being announced for September.

Carolyn Freer from CCSU shared details about their Robotics and Mechatronics certificate program, including plans for a second cohort starting in the fall. She also described various summer programs, including a partnership with the Department of Transportation and an esports program for high school students. We discussed the possibility of a number of NESMA forming a cohort for the Robotics and Mechatronics program. I’d like to hear from any members that might be interested.

Jordan Dombroski from Tunxis announced a 3-day machining crash course running over the summer from 8 am to noon, which includes metrology and blueprint reading. Larry Pommerlau provided an update on Bristol Tech, and mentioned that Dr. Alice Pritchard is the new CTECS director, and the governor was favorable to their system in the budget. A new Vinyl Tech school will be added in Middletown, with groundbreaking in 6-12 months. And John Ryan, speaking at the BristolWorks Technical Advisory Council, also mentioned a general expansion of CTECS programs, including evening programs (statewide), 4 nights/week, including courses in Robotics and Automation.

Lynn Davis mentioned Plainville High School‘s upcoming trade academy launch in September, and announced a public transition program, seeking host sites, and requesting volunteers for a rotational skill set program, while also seeking career math speakers for high school classes, particularly in HVAC and financial management. Jill O’Brien (Plainview Adult Ed) reported on a successful visit by Kim Holley, who presented on workplace etiquette to Plainville High School staff and students, with positive feedback from both groups.

We met Eric Nelson from New Britain High School, who attended his first NESMA meeting and expressed interest in connecting students with real-world opportunities, including visiting some NESMA facilities. The group discussed upcoming career events, including New Britain High’s Career Fair on May 19th.

Eileen Candels shared information about CCAT‘s summer internship program, which offers college students resume uploads and job applications through their website. June and July activities include lunchtime webinars and factory tours, with a kickoff event scheduled for June 3rd at Trumpf in Farmington. If you have or want interns, it’s not too late to join the program – reach out to Eileen. She discussed the various training programs available for students and workers, including pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and incumbent worker training. And she mentioned that she helped Connecticut Spring and Stamping eligibility for an incumbent worker training reimbursement despite being larger than typical grant eligibility limits.

Kim Holley updated the group on BristolWorks, explaining that their programs are no longer free due to ending ARPA funding, and they are now focusing on sustainability through sponsorships and customized training for businesses, including supervisory skills and lean training. She also discussed their OSHA training program, and agreed to follow up with more details about cohort requirements. She mentioned that manufacturing classes would continue, with one starting May 18th to promote advanced manufacturing opportunities.

Leah Fuhs provided an update on the Advanced Manufacturing Employer Partnership (AMEP), highlighting a successful Manufacturing Capital event and a recent AMEP biannual event focused on Connecticut women in manufacturing.

Phoebe Coates provided updates on upcoming CONNSTEP and partner events, including the Northwest Connecticut Manufacturing Career Roadshow, export documentation seminars, and various conferences and webinars.

Cliff Thermer reported on the Goodwin University’s summer initiatives, highlighting 30 new welders and a dozen new machinists starting, along with ongoing incumbent worker training programs. Sal Menzo provided updates on Goodwin University Magnet School, highlighting its collaboration with Goodwin University and the University of Bridgeport, and announced that two high school students will receive college diplomas on June 4th, followed by their high school diplomas on June 11th. He also discussed the upcoming opening of the technical high school building in February and mentioned the potential for hosting events at River Tech, including an aerospace conference.

Additionally, Sal explained AMEP’s new role as a convener for Goodwin University Education Services, and encouraged participation in the organization, which offers free membership for businesses and school districts.

Other upcoming events include the CT State Community College Manufacturing Summit on June 18th, the Hartford Manufacturing & Tech Job Fair, hosted by MakerspaceCT, on June 26th, the 2026 Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Forum at the CT Convention Center in Hartford on September 1st, and the College and Career Fair at Farmington High School on September 30th.

The next Technical Development Committee meeting will be Wednesday, June 10th (2-3 PM). We hope to see you there.