Connecticut Establishes Career Pathways Commission

New commission tasked with modernizing state's workforce development system.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:05pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting with overlapping geometric shapes and lines in shades of blue, green, and grey, conceptually representing the rapid technological changes transforming the job market.Connecticut's new commission aims to prepare the state's workforce for the jobs of the future shaped by AI, automation, and global competition.Hartford Today

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has signed an executive order to establish the Connecticut Career Pathways Commission, a new body charged with developing a five-year strategic plan to ensure the state has a modernized career pathways system that prepares students and job seekers for the jobs of the future, including those impacted by innovations in artificial intelligence, automation, and global competition.

Why it matters

As technology rapidly transforms the job market, Connecticut is taking proactive steps to ensure its workforce development system can adapt and provide residents with the skills needed for in-demand, well-paying careers. The new commission will bring together leaders from education, industry, and government to align programs and outcomes around the state's evolving economic needs.

The details

The Connecticut Career Pathways Commission will be chaired by Miguel Cardona, the former U.S. Secretary of Education and Connecticut Education Commissioner. Its unpaid volunteer members will include representatives from K-12 schools, higher education, workforce development boards, employers, labor unions, municipal leaders, legislators, and students. The commission is tasked with providing the governor and state legislature with a final strategic plan by the end of 2026.

  • Governor Lamont signed the executive order on April 2, 2026.
  • The commission has until December 31, 2026 to deliver its final report.

The players

Ned Lamont

The Governor of Connecticut who signed the executive order establishing the Connecticut Career Pathways Commission.

Miguel Cardona

The former U.S. Secretary of Education and Connecticut Education Commissioner, who will chair the new commission.

Connecticut Career Pathways Commission

A new state-level body tasked with developing a strategic plan to modernize Connecticut's workforce development system.

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What they’re saying

“Connecticut's long-term economic competitiveness depends on how well we work together to prepare people not only for the jobs of today but also for the jobs of the future.”

— Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut

What’s next

The Connecticut Career Pathways Commission will provide its final report to Governor Lamont and the state legislature by December 31, 2026.

The takeaway

By establishing a high-level commission to modernize its workforce development system, Connecticut is taking a proactive approach to ensuring its residents are prepared for the jobs of the future, including those impacted by emerging technologies like AI and automation.