Young Adults
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You can make it.
Maybe the path you’re on isn’t the one you thought it’d be. Maybe it’s time for something different. Something that pays better, means more and actually goes somewhere. The good news? You have more power to change your course than you think.
From dreaming to soaring. Meet Derek.
Start making it.
Whether you’re ready to jump in now or want to build a few more skills first, Connecticut’s manufacturing industry has a path for you. In fact, 52% of Connecticut manufacturers are looking for candidates with just a high school diploma, GED, or no education requirement at all. Many companies will train you on the job, and as you gain experience, you’ll open the door to more advanced roles, higher pay, and a career that supports the life you want — because it’s not all about work.
Check out these entry-level roles to see where you could start:
Specialize in joining metal parts together using various welding techniques.
Work on a production line, assembling parts into finished products.
Cut and shape raw materials into parts needed for production.
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision metal parts and instruments.
Install, maintain and repair automated machinery and computer-controlled mechanical systems in industrial settings.
Monitor and adjust machine parameters, test batch quality and report equipment malfunctions.
Design, test, install, maintain, troubleshoot, and fix robots and automation control systems.
Load the digital machining program, set up tools and equipment, test the program, and ensure everything works correctly.
Create 2D or 3D technical drawings using computer-aided design (CAD) systems.
Install, maintain and repair automated machinery and computer-controlled mechanical systems in industrial settings.
Manage the flow of products, materials and supplies into and out of a warehouse.
Support the manufacturing process through administrative tasks, scheduling, accounting, and human resources.
Manufacturing is CT’s
second-largest industry
*data sourced from CBIA 2025 Connecticut Manufacturing Report
“What surprised me about working in manufacturing was that you could start your career in one place and, through hard work and a willingness to take on new challenges, end up somewhere you never would have dreamed of as a young adult.”