HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Connecticut officials say the state has been awarded a $1.6 million federal grant to help fund an apprenticeship training program for aerospace manufacturing and maintenance workers.
The Connecticut Apprenticeship Expansion Rx project will serve 1,672 apprentices, with a focus on aerospace, aviation, energy and building trades.
The U.S. Department of Labor grant was announced Friday by Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and members of the state's all-Democratic congressional delegation. It comes weeks after the announced agreement between the state and Sikorsky Aircraft to build nearly 200 heavy cargo helicopters for the military in Stratford.
State Labor Commissioner Scott Jackson says expansion within several of the state's largest aviation employers will increase demand for credential aircraft and power plant mechanics. Also, he says there's been an influx of aviation-depending shipping companies.
