CTHSS to Host “Diversity in the Workforce” Event with State, Business and Education Leaders

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Peter Decoteau
The Pita Group
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CTHSS to Host “Diversity in the Workforce” Event with State, Business and Education Leaders
MANCHESTER, Conn. (September 7, 2016) The Connecticut Technical High School System (CTHSS) will host an event featuring a panel discussion on how shifting demographics in Connecticut are impacting current state systems and future workforce development on Thursday, September 15, at Cheney Technical High School in Manchester. The panel discussion, which will be followed by a variety of cultural activities prepared by CTHSS students, includes the Commissioners of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and Department of Labor, as well as representatives from Electric Boat, Aetna, CTHSS, UCONN and more.
Connecticut has seen a significant demographic shift in the last 15 years. According to the U.S. Census, two out of ten state residents identified as an ethnic minority in 2000. As of 2014, that number had risen to three out of ten, and this trend looks to continue. In order to retain and attract skilled workers especially millennials, who have been leaving the state in higher and higher numbers businesses have had to shift cultural values, recruitment strategies and messaging to appeal to this increasingly culturally diverse population. In addition, school systems have continued to evolve to offer programs and create environments that align with the demands and needs of employers.
The “Diversity in the Workforce” panelists will discuss how businesses across the state have been embracing diversity, and how they’ve been building partnerships with state government and school systems to spur workforce and economic development. After the panel discussion, guests will enjoy art, music, food and other cultural activities prepared by CTHSS students representing the many cultures throughout Connecticut.
Event Details
Diversity in the Workforce
“Teaching Skills. Building Partnerships. Fueling the Economy.”
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Cheney Technical High School, Manchester, CT

Doors Open: 10:30am
Panel Discussion: 11:00am
12:15pm Cultural Activities: 12:15pm 1:00pm

Panelists: Catherine Smith
Commissioner Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Scott Jackson
Commissioner Connecticut Department of Labor
Dr. Nivea L. Torres
Superintendent Connecticut Technical High School System
Floyd Green
Corporate Vice President and Head of Community Relations & Urban Marketing Aetna
Howard Jenkins
Manager of Human Resources, Diversity and Outreach Electric Boat
Andrea Comer
Executive Director of Education & Workforce Partnership CBIA
Dr. Estela Lopez
Former Provost Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System State Board of Education Member
Chris Soto
Founding Director Higher Edge
Moderator:
Joelle Murchison
Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Office for Diversity and Inclusion University of Connecticut
About CTHSS
CTHSS currently operates 17 diploma-granting technical high schools, one technical education center and two aviation maintenance programs located throughout the state. The system serves approximately 11,200 full-time high school and adult day students, with comprehensive education and training in 31 occupational areas, and 2,000 apprenticeship students. CTHSS is the largest high school system in Connecticut, serving all geographic regions, demographics and diverse populations.
For more information, visit cttech.org and follow on Twitter @CTTechHS and Facebook at Connecticut Technical High School System. - END - 

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