2025 Connecticut Workforce Summit: Developing Future-Ready Talent

The way we learn, work, and develop skills is undergoing transformational change, demanding innovative solutions that prepare both employees and employers to successfully address future challenges.

Based on some estimates, over half the jobs today’s students will hold five years from now currently don’t exist. Will the skills being taught today become obsolete within a few years? How do we adapt and navigate this rapidly changing environment?

Join us April 22 for the 2025 Connecticut Workforce Summit as business, education, government, and nonprofit leaders discuss rapidly evolving talent needs and the programs and initiatives that will create long-term, sustainable career pathways.

You’ll hear from Dr. Michelle Weiss, author of the bestselling book Long Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs That Don’t Even Exist Yet. She offers thought-provoking insights, helping you understand hurdles and opportunities—and what’s needed to make those opportunities a reality. Attendees will also receive a complimentary copy of Weiss’ book.

We’ll also review current Connecticut workforce initiatives and programs, with perspectives from participants and employers, to assess skills development and success rates—with an emphasis on what’s needed to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing job market.

The summit shines a spotlight on artificial intelligence—examining the way this technology is transforming Connecticut’s workplaces and economy, with tools and insights for developing the workforce to meet that challenge.

Throughout the day you’ll hear brief presentations from a range of speakers addressing a diverse range of topics, including navigating transportation barriers, manufacturing workforce development, small business solutions, and more.

And don’t miss the chance to network with hundreds of your peers from around Connecticut!

AGENDA

8 am | Check-In & Networking Breakfast

9 am | Welcome Remarks

• Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA
• Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Chief Workforce Officer, Office of Workforce Strategy

9:15 am | Preparing for Jobs That Don’t Even Exist Yet

• Dr. Michelle Weiss, CEO, Long Life Learning Strategies, LLC

10 am | Talent Talk: Transforming Healthcare Pathways

10:15 am | Networking Break

10:30 am | CareerConneCT: What We’ve Learned & Pathways Forward

11:15 am | Talent Talk: Accelerating Manufacturing Careers

11:30 am | Networking Lunch

12:30 pm | Talent Talk: Small Business Challenges & Approaches

12:45 pm | Career Pathways: Program Participant Perspectives

1:45 pm | Talent Talk: Leveraging Student Loan Tax Credits

2 pm | AI in the Workplace: Reinventing Talent Development

2:45 pm | Adjourn

The 2025 Connecticut Workforce Summit: Developing Future-Ready Talent is a collaboration between CBIA, the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy, Governor’s Workforce Council, ReadyCT, Connecticut Department of Labor, State Department of Education, and the Regional Workforce Development Boards, and made possible through the generous support of General Dynamics Electric Boat.

To add your support, contact CBIA's Stacey Vendetta (860.244.1930).

Host or Publisher CBIA