HARTFORD, Conn. — Officially it’s called the Aerospace Alley Future Workforce Opportunities Fair & Trade Show, but for short, "Aerospace Alley", is designed to provide an avenue for high school students down the road.
Now in its 24th year, Aerospace Alley filled the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford with around 100 exhibitors in the aerospace, manufacturing, and technology field to interact with around 1,200 high school students from all over Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.
“It’s all about bringing them (students) to see us because they don’t get this type of view from their schools or their classrooms.," said Michael Polo, the president of Aerospace Components Manufacturers (ACM), a main sponsor of the event.
Many students who attended the event came with an interest in this kind of career and left with even more of a passion.
“I’m interested in aerospace and robotics and there are people here who do manufacturing for that which I find interesting.," said Oxford High School Junior Michael Rojowski, after exploring a number of the exhibition booths which showcased everything from robotics to jet engine parts.
“I’m just having a blast walking around and seeing just what people have to offer to me and to everyone else here," said classmate Zach Ort.
Polo said that he's very excited about what he future of engineering has to bring after seeing all the students on Wednesday.
"The best part of this whole thing is the kids, they bring the energy to this. This is the future of aerospace manufacturing right here in Connecticut," said Polo.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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