Manufacturing Day 2026 at the State Capitol
April 6, 2026
The Manufacturer ConneCTion Fair, created by State Representative Liz Linehan, is co-hosted by me and co-sponsored by State Representatives Kara Rochelle and Geraldo Reyes, Jr., ReadyCT, AMEP, CONNSTEP, and the State Office of Manufacturing, and takes place on April 23 in Hartford. This free event brings together students and manufacturers for a hands-on, engaging introduction to modern manufacturing careers.
Students from Connecticut’s middle schools, high schools, and technical high schools will explore interactive exhibits hosted by local manufacturers throughout the first floor of the State Capitol. Past activities have included virtual welding simulators, robotics demonstrations, and other immersive experiences designed to showcase today’s high-tech manufacturing and engineering careers—many of which offer starting salaries of $65,000 or more with no college debt.
New additions from 2025 include a College Student & Program Graduate Career Fair from 1 – 2:30 p.m. and a free Networking Lunch, sponsored by CONNSTEP.
Participation is free for both students and manufacturers. The fair has been incredibly successful, welcoming over 1,000 students last year, and we expect this year’s event to be even larger.
I know Enfield High School, Brecourt Solutions, & Eppendorf are coming!
Interested in more information? Contact Mikaela at mikaela.shea@cga.ct.gov