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SPONSORED PROFILE Above: Panoramic view of CCAT's Advanced Manufacturing Center, which houses cutting-edge manufacturing technology. Below: CCAT's main headquarters on Pitkin Street in East Hartford. state-of-the-art equipment, CCAT experts evaluate, validate and field-test advances in technology that are custom- ized to enhance manufacturing operations and productivity. Through partnerships with an extended network of equip- ment and software companies, the AMC is able to offer capa- bilities rarely found within one facility. AMC services include 3-D multi-material printing for plastics and metals; 5-axis ma- chining; industrial lasers; non- contact inspection; reverse engineering; and enhanced tooling machines. Integrating Workforce Strategies Manufacturing companies need to be able to attract, train and retain a solid base of skilled workers to meet capacity and prepare for growth. Yet the shortage of skilled manufacturing work- ers is widely recognized and projected to continue. The existing gap between what industry demands and what school and professional train- ing programs deliver needs to be eliminated. CCAT is joining with its education, industry and government partners to help decrease the gap and expand the talent pipeline. Educating for the Future To assure a future work- force, CCAT spearheads development and implementa- tion of innovative approaches to education and workforce development to enhance science, technology, engineer- ing and mathematics (STEM) education for K-12 and higher education as well as bolstering the manufacturing workforce pipeline through professional development. CCAT creates STEM cur- riculum, leads programs to introduce STEM-based ca- reers to students, and offers professional development to help educators adapt to new national standards. Vital to developing a skilled manufacturing work- force is the ability to verify experience and skill levels. As a licensed test center, CCAT administers basic and techni- cal skills assessments for core manufacturing competencies, resulting in industry-recog- nized credentials. Applying Energy Solutions Energy use impacts the success of all organizations. CCAT is leading policy and planning initiatives that focus on models for sustainable and reliable energy use and in- novative technologies to offset energy demands. To advance an alternative hydrogen fuel cell economy within Connecti- cut and the Northeast, CCAT manages collaborative efforts through groups such as the Connecticut Hydrogen Fuel Cell Coalition and the Northeast Elec- trochemical Energy Storage Cluster. In addition, CCAT's applied research energy programs include a project to reduce CO2 emissions when combining coal with biomass sources to produce liquid fuel; and a USDA grant to conduct a feasibility study for developing an alternative fuel plant in Central Con- necticut. Building the IT Foundation CCAT's informa- tion technology (IT) services help manufacturing businesses, schools, nonprofits and municipalities implement and maintain a reliable and affordable IT infrastructure. CCAT's IT services include infrastructure planning, virtual desktop implementation, data backup and disaster recovery as well as development of specialized applications and programs. As a preferred IT services provider for the Capitol Region Council of Governments, CCAT assists in delivering service-sharing programs to municipalities on a regional and statewide basis, as well as establishing a data center on the Connecticut Nutmeg Network. Inspiring Innovation for Success Learn more about CCAT's varied integrated services — which aid its customers in competing and succeeding in today's global economy — at www.ccat.us. 2014 | Doing Business in Connecticut 125