Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology

06/04/2026

"Your technical skills may get you in the door, but it's your attitude, curiosity and ability to build relationships that help you stand out.”

That was one of the many valuable lessons professional development expert Karen Hinds shared with more than 100 interns at yesterday's Connecticut Manufacturing Internship Program kickoff at TRUMPF.

The event gave interns a glimpse into the future of manufacturing in Connecticut and the critical role manufacturers play in industries ranging from aerospace and defense to submarines, jet engines, lasers and advanced materials.

Interns heard from industry leaders and former intern panelists, toured TRUMPF's impressive Smart Factory, and saw firsthand how technology and automation are helping manufacturers stay competitive.

Thank you to TRUMPF for hosting and to the many companies that enrolled interns in the program and are helping develop the next generation of manufacturing talent.

06/03/2026

What does it take to turn a "shiny object" into a tool that delivers real business value?

For PTA Plastics, additive manufacturing isn't about chasing the latest technology. It's about solving production challenges, supporting automation and getting tools to the shop floor faster.

Michael Rocheleau, Executive Vice President of PTA Plastics, recently visited CCAT to share how the Connecticut manufacturer is using additive manufacturing to improve operations, strengthen quality and deliver measurable ROI.

Read the story and learn how PTA turned 3D printing into a practical solution that supports continuous improvement and innovation.

🔗 ccat.us/news-insights/pta-plastics-additive-manufacturing

05/26/2026

Shout out to Danbury High School and the teachers who took part in CCAT’s Digital Thread Training last week.

It’s inspiring to see educators investing time to explore the technologies shaping the future of manufacturing and bringing that knowledge back to their classrooms and students.

As manufacturers look to automate production processes, improve quality, and build new capabilities, CCAT’s Digital Thread Lab introduces connected workflows and technologies that help manufacturers improve productivity, quality, and capabilities across five training pathways.

Through hands-on learning, educators can help prepare students for the skills, opportunities, and rewarding careers ahead.

05/12/2026

We are excited to share that Dr. Amy Thompson, Chief Technology Officer at CCAT, will be speaking at Shaping CT’s Future: Workforce Development Velocity.

Dr. Thompson will take part in the panel Preparing the Next Generation Workforce, where leaders from across Connecticut will explore how education, technology, and industry can work together to help people move faster from learning to earning and into sustainable careers.

This event brings together voices from business, education, policy, and community organizations to focus on how Connecticut can strengthen its talent economy and support long‑term growth for workers and employers alike.

📍 Southern Connecticut State University
🗓 May 15, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

We are proud to contribute CCAT’s perspective to this important statewide conversation and look forward to connecting with others who are shaping the future of work in Connecticut.

05/07/2026

Another one in the books! Thank you to everyone who joined us at the CBIZ Manufacturing Forum ’26 in Rocky Hill.

This morning’s packed house was a strong reminder that manufacturers want to connect, collaborate, and have real conversations about the challenges and opportunities shaping our industry.

🔹 From operational excellence and productivity to AI, automation, and supply chain resilience, the energy around smart manufacturing and technology adoption was clear.

🔹 The focus was on practical implementation, technology readiness, and funding opportunities helping manufacturers move forward with confidence.

👏 Huge thank you to the companies and industry leaders who generously shared their insights, experiences, and perspectives. Conversations like these strengthen our industry and move innovation forward.

Special thanks to for making us look good, as always!

04/20/2026

✅ RAPID + TCT 2026 is officially a wrap and one word comes to mind: gratitude.

Events like this only happen through true collaboration. We are incredibly thankful for everyone who worked alongside the CCAT team, from early planning and coordination to booth setup, meetings, and presentations on the show floor.

To our partners, presenters, team members, and everyone who stopped by to connect with us, thank you. Your ideas, flexibility, and expertise helped make this event meaningful and impactful.
We’re grateful for the conversations, the energy, and the shared commitment to advancing innovation and manufacturing technologies.

Let’s keep the momentum going together. 💡🙌

04/15/2026

𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗗 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.
Stop by the 𝗖𝗖𝗔𝗧 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 today to hear directly from manufacturers and industry leaders who are successfully applying additive manufacturing across production, tooling, and sustainment.

𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆’𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲:
🕚 𝟭𝟭:𝟬𝟬 𝗮𝗺 – 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
🕦 𝟭𝟭:𝟰𝟬 𝗮𝗺 – 𝗝𝗲𝗳𝗳 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗥𝗢 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
🕐 𝟭:𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗺 – 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
🕑 𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗺 – 𝗖𝗖𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

04/13/2026

At CCAT, we enable manufacturers to apply advanced technologies where they drive the most value—across operations, processes, and production.

By working alongside industry, education, and technology partners, we accelerate adoption, modernize manufacturing capabilities, and build the skills needed to implement and sustain new solutions.

We bring applied technology and ex*****on together to deliver results manufacturers can use today—and scale for the future.

🔗 Learn more about CCAT: https://www.ccat.us/

04/02/2026

🔧✨ The 5th Annual Manufacturing, Engineering & Technology (MET) Career Fair was a powerful reminder of what happens when Connecticut’s industry and talent come together.

Employers, students, and jobseekers from across the state filled the room—focused on internships, apprenticeships, and full‑time opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, and technology.

📣 The feedback was clear: employers continue to call this the best recruiting event they attend year after year.

As the ONLY statewide Manufacturing, Engineering & Technology Career Fair, MET creates space for meaningful conversations and real career pathways. Our CCAT team was on site throughout the event—connecting with future career seekers and providing complimentary professional headshots to help attendees put their best foot forward 📸.

We were proud to welcome Senator Richard Blumenthal and Kirti Patel, Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development and Chief Manufacturing Officer, to see Connecticut’s talent pipeline in action 👏.

A big thank you to Quinnipiac University for hosting and to everyone who made the day a success 🙌.

👉 Employers: ready to build on the connections you made? CCAT’s Summer Internship Program helps turn momentum into impact—with structured support, real‑world experience, and potential matching wage subsidies up to $14,000.

To learn more, contact Eileen Candels at [email protected]

03/18/2026

Last chance to register for our FREE Design for Additive Manufacturing training at CCAT’s Additive Training Lab.

Delivered by The Barnes Global Advisors and supported by the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base Program, this hands-on course is a great opportunity for engineers and manufacturers interested in strengthening their additive manufacturing design capabilities strengthen their additive manufacturing design capabilities.

📅 March 25–27 | 📍 East Hartford, CT
Limited seats available. Registration closes Friday, March 20.

Register now: https://www.ccat.us/events/tbga-designing-am-training

Last chance to register for our FREE Design for Additive Manufacturing training at CCAT’s Additive Training Lab. Delivered by The Barnes Global Advisors and supported by the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base Program, this hands-on course is a great opportunity for engineers and manufacturers ...