CONNECTICUT LAUNCHES “I CAN MAKE IT” CAMPAIGN TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF MANUFACTURERS

HARTFORD, CT –  The Connecticut Office of Manufacturing (OOM), part of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), today launched “I Can Make It”, a new statewide awareness campaign designed to inspire middle school students, high school students, and young adults, to explore careers in Connecticut’s modern manufacturing industry.

The campaign was announced during the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Forum at the Connecticut Convention Center, where manufacturers, educators, workforce leaders, and policymakers gathered to discuss the future of manufacturing in Connecticut. Building on the success of the state’s “I Got It Made” initiative, “I Can Make It” aims to increase awareness of manufacturing careers by highlighting the innovation, technology, and opportunity that define today’s manufacturing sector.

“Connecticut has long been recognized as a leader in advanced manufacturing, and the future of that success depends on young people recognizing the incredible, technology-driven careers in manufacturing available right here in our state,” said Kirti Patel, DECD Deputy Commissioner and CT Chief Manufacturing Officer. “Through the ‘I Can Make It’ campaign, we’re building awareness of the innovation, creativity, and opportunity in manufacturing.”

Connecticut’s manufacturing sector includes more than 153,000 manufacturing employees from approximately 4,600 employers, reporting 5,396 job openings.

As manufacturers continue to grow and evolve, attracting the next generation of skilled workers is essential to maintaining Connecticut’s competitive advantage and strengthening the state’s workforce pipeline.

The campaign follows people from an early spark of curiosity through technical training, and into rewarding manufacturing careers, showcasing how manufacturing can provide purpose, economic mobility, and long-term opportunity.

Through targeted creative and media strategies, the campaign reaches middle school students, high school students, and young adults where they are, creating excitement and inspiring them to make a career in modern manufacturing.

The campaign includes streaming television, digital advertising, social media, online resources, and targeted outreach, along with a series of 30-second campaign videos highlighting Connecticut’s aerospace, robotics and automation, and shipbuilding industries. A long-form campaign essence video further reinforces the campaign’s message and vision.

“By sharing authentic personal growth stories, we’re helping today’s youth see that the curiosity, creativity and joy they experienced as children through making things can continue into adulthood,” said Patel. “With advanced manufacturing, today’s youth can make an impact, build a career and create a life for themselves.”

The name “I Can Make It” reflects the countless possibilities manufacturing creates, from making innovative products to “making it” by building a career and a life in Connecticut.

Campaign videos were filmed at manufacturing facilities and technical high schools across Connecticut whose leaders and educators opened their doors to help showcase the innovation, technology, and career opportunities available throughout the state’s manufacturing industry.

“ACMT is proud to support the ‘I Can Make It’ campaign because building a strong pipeline of skilled manufacturing talent is essential to the future of our industry and our state,” said John Uliano, Chief Operating Officer, ACMT. “By highlighting the innovation, technology, and skilled craftsmanship behind modern manufacturing, we hope to inspire more young people to pursue rewarding careers that strengthen Connecticut’s manufacturing leadership.”

“Connecticut’s manufacturing industry depends on a strong, skilled workforce, and CTECS is proud to be an essential part of that talent pipeline,” said Dr. Alice Pritchard, Executive Director, Connecticut Technical Education and Career System. “Through multiple manufacturing pathways, our high school students and adult learners gain hands-on experience, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop the technical and professional skills that prepare them for high-demand careers. We’re excited to join this campaign to showcase the incredible opportunities available in manufacturing and inspire the next generation.”

“Burke Aerospace is proud to support the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing and this initiative to help develop the next generation of manufacturing professionals,” said Brittany Isherwood, President & CEO, Burke Aerospace. “As Burke Aerospace continues to grow its workforce, partnerships like this are essential to building a strong pipeline of skilled talent for Connecticut’s manufacturing industry.”

“It is very exciting to see the State of Connecticut continue to champion the growing manufacturing sector in the state,” said Chris Jewell, President, Collins & Jewell Company. “The Manufacturing Innovation Fund has been an ongoing catalyst, helping us navigate challenges in workforce development and capital expenditures. I’m confident that continued support like this will keep positioning Connecticut’s manufacturers for growth for generations to come.”

To learn more about the “I Can Make It” campaign and explore manufacturing career opportunities across Connecticut, visit gotitmadect.com.

Campaign resources include:

• Campaign website: gotitmadect.com
• Serve Your Future video (30-seconds) VIEW HERE
• Find Your Path video (30-seconds): VIEW HERE
• Chart Your Course video (30-seconds): VIEW HERE
• Long-form campaign video: VIEW HERE

About the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing

The Connecticut Office of Manufacturing (OOM), part of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), acts as a statewide resource to help manufacturers launch, grow, and succeed. Services include grant funding through the Manufacturing Innovation Fund, supply chain support, the CONNEX marketplace online platform, and outreach via the Ambassador Program. To learn more and access resources, visit manufacturing.ct.gov.