When you think of video production, you might not necessarily think of manufacturing, but now the two are closely intertwined — and that’s thanks to a new video series in our state aimed at recruiting young people.
“We’re called the ‘insurance capital of the world,’ but we should really call it the ‘aerospace capital of the world,'” Javi Melecio said in the first video released.
This fascinating video is packed with information about Connecticut’s vibrant manufacturing industry.
“32,400 people in Connecticut are employed by aerospace companies,” Melecio added in the video.
The video is the first of six to be released monthly and was produced by Melecio.
“I’ve always had a passion for film and video production,” says Melecio, an applications engineer and content creator, “and having worked in manufacturing for the past five-plus years, I’ve realized that this industry has some really interesting stories to tell.”
With a background in aerospace engineering and electronics, Melecio’s passion is apparent in the video work he posts to his YouTube channel.
“25% of all aircraft engines are made here!” he says in the video.
This content caught the attention of Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer, Paul Lavoie, leading to a collaboration in which Melecio produced a video for the Connecticut Manufacturing Authority’s “Make It Here” campaign.
“While watching the video, viewers will be curious to see what he has to say next and will come away with a deeper understanding of manufacturing and industry in Connecticut,” Lavoie said.
The series, called “Made Here,” will be launched on YouTube and social media to introduce young people to the opportunities.
The initiative comes after a recent statewide survey revealed many young people are unaware of manufacturing and its career paths, according to the Manufacturing Department.
“We know we have to create awareness of manufacturing,” Lavoie said.
Manufacturing accounts for 10 percent of the state’s workforce and provides 100,000 jobs, but there is currently a shortage of about 10,000 jobs, Lavoie said.
“Getting kids interested in manufacturing and providing opportunities to learn about manufacturing careers is really a longer-term strategy, aiming to make sure we can build a consistent pipeline over the next five to 10 to 15 years,” Lavoie said.
From building submarines to brewing non-alcoholic beer to aerospace engineering, there are a variety of opportunities available, which the video highlights with dynamic visuals and detailed information.
“I was surprised to see that manufacturing in general, and Connecticut in particular, has such a great history,” Melecio says, “so it’s great to see so much interest in these areas now.”
The purpose of this series is to show you that you can actually succeed here.
To watch the entire series, subscribe to the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and Javi Melecio on YouTube.
To watch a short segment of the video, please follow these steps:
