Apprenticeship Programs
In 2014, the University of Connecticut (UConn) initiated a partnership with Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School and Windham Technical High School to sponsor pre-apprenticeship trade students. This collaboration allows junior and senior students from these schools to work part-time at UConn Facilities Operations as part of the Connecticut Technical High School System's work-based learning (WBL) program. The trades involved include carpentry, masonry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, electronics technology, and automotive technology. Students gain experience not only in trade-specific shops but also in areas like the Motor Pool, Water Pollution Control Facility, Science Area, Energy Management Systems, and Locksmith Shops. Since its inception, over 100 high school students have participated in this program.
In December 2019, UConn expanded this initiative by forming partnerships with A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford and Ella T. Grasso Technical High School in Groton, further enhancing work-based learning opportunities and supporting workforce development in Connecticut's trade industry. In collaboration with the Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI) Local 511, UConn Facilities Operations has introduced Skilled Trades Apprenticeship (STA) programs. These programs offer full-time apprenticeships in electrical, HVAC, and plumbing trades, allowing participants to earn experiential hours toward their Connecticut State Journeyperson Licenses.
In 2024, UConn's Facilities Operations received the APPA Effective and Innovative Practices Award for their "Building Your Workforce from Within: Future Workforce for UConn Facilities Operations" program. This award recognizes programs that enhance service delivery, lower costs, and increase productivity.
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