The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Connecticut a $6 million grant to develop the Eastern Connecticut Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative, aimed at training workers in the manufacturing and aerospace industries around the state.

The initiative, a partnership of manufacturing employers, community colleges, technical high schools and workforce development partners, was developed in response to the expansion of Groton-based submarine manufacturer Electric Boat, who called for 520 additional employees annually over the next several years. It will also assist additional manufacturers and aerospace companies with training development, which will include skills assessments and supportive services to help participants complete the training.

The program will be operated by the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), with the Connecticut Department of Labor’s (CTDOL) Office for Veterans’ Workforce Development helping recruit and refer veterans to the programs. CTDOL’s Office of Apprenticeship Training will also assist by identifying and recruiting qualified instructors for the occupational training programs and assisting with developing shipyard apprenticeship training programs.

EWIB plans to work with CTDOL and the state’s four other regional Workforce Boards, as appropriate, to expand the program to other areas of the state addressing similar industry needs.

“This grant was awarded based on Connecticut’s innovative strategies for developing customized training that effectively responds to the immediate workforce needs of our manufacturing employers and will provide well-paying job for those that are unemployed or underemployed,” Connecticut Labor Commissioner Sharon M. Palmer said in a statement.