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2 2 S T U F F • F a l l 2 0 1 9 C O M P A N Y P R O F I L E S S T U F F M a d e I n C T . c o m When Mike Hughes graduated from high school, he knew he enjoyed teaching, so he started college on a path to a career in early childhood education. But soon he found he wasn't happy with the course he was on. "I couldn't see pursuing more in the college realm," he said. "I sat down and said 'What do you want to do with yourself?'" At the time, Hughes had a hobby hand-making forged knives. He realized he really loved metallurgy and working with his hands. So, in 2016, he left college and ended up enrolling as a postgraduate in the welding and fabrication program at Bristol Technical Education Center. Today, at 24, he works in the aerospace industry, correcting flaws in molds used to make parts for companies like Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney. "You're very self-accountable for what you do in welding, which really is geared toward my personality," he said. Across Connecticut, there are 14 degree-granting technical high schools with some type of manufacturing program. The schools serve young people who are still in high school, as well as returning students like Hughes, helping them learn, get on-the-job experience, and build connections that can lead to jobs with local employers. "Our students graduate with the ability to just walk onto a manufacturing floor," said Kerry Markey, director of communications for the Connecticut Technical High School System. Amy Howroyd, who teaches in the program where Hughes studied, said technical education is gaining increasing respect as a route to good careers for capable students. "When I was in school, it would be threatened to you as a Students finding careers through CT's technical high schools By Livia Gershon Adelmo Lia, 16 SCHOOL: Emmett O' Brien Technical High School, Ansonia RESIDENCE: Derby JOB ASPIRATIONS: To work in a machine shop/factory JUST KICKING IT: Lia is a varsity soccer player. Mike Hughes, 24 SCHOOL: Bristol Technical Education Center RESIDENCE: Norwich JOB ASPIRATIONS: Continue advancing in the aerospace industry HE MUST HAVE STRONG FINGERS: Hughes loves rock climbing