Building a strong talent pipeline is vital for economic growth and community prosperity in New Haven. With our Region’s rich academic ecosystem, the New Haven Region is uniquely positioned to nurture a skilled workforce. Consider we have Yale University, as well as Quinnipiac University, University of New Haven, Albertus Magnus College, CT State/SCSU & Gateway, as well as close ties to UCONN, and others. Greater New Haven has a tremendous wealth in our student population. However, success hinges on our continued strategic collaborations developed to bring together employers, training providers, educators, and other local stakeholders to build these pipelines, as we prepare the next generation of our workforce - particularly in high-demand sectors like bioscience, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Understanding the Local Context
Greater New Haven’s economy is both diverse and evolving. The bioscience industry, driven by cutting-edge research and development has enjoyed several high-profile acquisitions in the past years, and some major investments from funders. Manufacturing remains a backbone of the local economy with companies producing everything from precision components to advanced materials. Healthcare, one of the region’s largest employment sectors, continues to expand as innovations in care delivery and population health demand more skilled professionals. Ensuring that local organizations in these fields have access to qualified talent is essential.
TPM (Talent Pipeline Management): A Foundation for Success
One of the most effective ways to build robust talent pipelines is by fostering what is needed for the coming years. This “present day” focus helps to create stronger partnerships with training partners and academic institutions, who want to train the next generation of worker. The goal is to train for what is needed now by creating those programs, training students so they fill jobs after graduation, thereby, retaining that talent in the State.
We have found one of the most effective tools for this effort is the use of the US Chamber Foundation’s TPM (Talent Pipeline Management) methodology, which follows supply chain principals to support each industry’s needs. Over the last six years, we have established three industry collaboratives in bioscience, healthcare, and manufacturing. These industry-led groups have identified critical roles to fill in each of their industries, identified aligned the critical skills needed with our training partners and academic institutions and created more direct connections between learners and jobs. One of the examples of this the survey we conducted for the healthcare industry, where the identified need is over 1,000 nurses and CNAs over the next two years. We do not have the training programs to fill this need, but have used TPM to establish the need, create awareness for the skills, competencies and credentialing needed to successfully fill those roles and communicated this information to the training and academic institutional partners. From there, we have started to create additional trainings for this role and filled talent pipeline with over 120 new CNAs. This year, we created four more trainings, where over 150 CNAs will be provided to this industry by June 2026, here in our Region. This is just one example of what has emerged from the work with the TPM system. We have duplicated this work in our other sectors, as well, finding jobs for new employees in Manufacturing and Bioscience companies.
The other benefit, undoubtedly, are the dynamic partnerships that have been established through this work. The alliances between employers and educational institutions, training providers and students, direct connections between students and employers. All of this facilitated through our work in the Collaboratives.
Additional benefits have emerged where companies have engaged students in internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing opportunities, to provide students hands-on exposure while building connections with potential employers. In manufacturing, where advanced technologies like automation, AI, and robotics are increasingly important, partnerships support training on industry-standard equipment and tools. Healthcare employers are continuing to offer clinical placements, which are indispensable for fields such as nursing, allied health, and care coordination.
Bridging Gaps with Work Based Learning
To make talent pipeline strategies successful, it’s crucial to address challenges students face to entry-level employment. Employers and community partners investing in apprenticeship programs, internships, and job shadows are much more likely to not only land a great new employee but are seeding the future of the industry when you train them in your processes and methodologies. Work-based learning is a great way for students to understand the industry and for you to have the student choose you! These short-term employment opportunities are essential to unlocking interest and are a low-cost pathway for you to fill roles not yet vacated by the individual you will find it difficult to replace. Studies show this approach reduces recruitment costs and build loyalty among emerging professionals. That is great news for all of those working to retain the thousands of students here in the Region. Our industry sectors work to create a steady stream of skilled workers who are not only technically competent but also culturally connected to the community. Let’s take advantage of this affinity and hire them before they think about departing.
A Shared Commitment to Prosperity
Building talent pipelines is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Employers and educators should establish clear metrics to track progress—such as placement rates, retention statistics, and employer satisfaction. Regular evaluation allows programs to be more effective and accurate for industry’s success.
In the New Haven Region, a collaborative approach to talent development in bioscience, manufacturing, and healthcare holds immense promise. By uniting employers with educators and community partners, the region can cultivate a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to drive innovation and growth. Investing in people is investing in the future—one that offers economic opportunity and resilience for all.