Rutigliano Attends UI and SCG Trade Internship Graduation

Rutigliano Attends UI and SCG Trade Internship Graduation

TRUMBULL – State Representatives David Rutigliano (R-Trumbull) attended the 2026 Trade Internship Program graduation ceremony hosted by United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) on Wednesday, August 19, at the United Illuminating Training Yard, located in Trumbull.

The program gives local high school and community college students hands-on experience in the electric and natural gas utility industries, working alongside experienced field employees, union leaders and operations teams. In addition to developing practical skills, participants gain firsthand exposure to careers in the skilled trades and the opportunities available through apprenticeships, technical education, and workforce training.

Rutigliano said programs like the UI and SCG internship are an important part of developing Connecticut’s future workforce while showing young people that a four-year college degree is not the only path to a successful career.

“College is absolutely the right choice for many students, but it isn't the only path to a good career,” said Rep. Rutigliano. “We need to do a better job showing young people all of the opportunities that are available to them. The skilled trades offer good-paying, highly skilled careers where there is real demand for workers right here in Connecticut.”

Rutigliano has supported efforts to expand workforce-development opportunities and strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers needed by Connecticut employers.

“For years, employers have been telling us they need more skilled workers,” Rutigliano said. “Programs like this help connect that need with young people who are deciding what comes next after high school. When students can actually work alongside people in these professions, learn the skills and see the career opportunities for themselves, it can open a door they may never have considered.”

Rutigliano said developing a stronger skilled workforce is particularly important as Connecticut employers compete for electricians, utility workers, construction professionals, manufacturing employees and other skilled workers.

“Workforce development is economic development,” Rutigliano said. “If we want Connecticut businesses to grow and stay here, we need a workforce with the skills to fill the jobs they are creating. Programs like this are good for students, good for employers and good for Connecticut.”

The graduation ceremony recognized students for completing the internship and highlighted the skills, training and career experience they gained through the program.