[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE CAREER OF BRET JACOBSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2026

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Bret 
Jacobson, who selflessly served our country and retires today from his 
position as Director of the Manufacturing Apprenticeship Center at CT 
State Community College Three Rivers. The Manufacturing Apprenticeship 
Center has innovated various streamlined paths for individuals to 
pursue a career in advanced manufacturing and possesses a key role in 
workforce development in Eastern Connecticut.
  Mr. Jacobson has been a steadfast champion of the Manufacturing 
Pipeline Initiative (MPI), a nationally recognized manufacturing-
focused workforce training program managed by the Manufacturing 
Apprenticeship Center. Mr. Jacobson utilized a $6 million grant from 
the U.S. Department of Labor awarded to Three Rivers in 2016 to create 
and develop MPI. Now, a decade later, MPI comprises 150 instructors who 
have taught over 250 classes and prepared more than 2,500 students. 
Thanks to Mr. Jacobson's leadership and dedication to the program, MPI 
stands as a national model for workforce development programs.
  Before joining CT State, Mr. Jacobson led a 30-year career serving in 
the Coast Guard as a mechanic-by-trade at duty stations in Hawaii, 
Michigan, and Key West. His final five years of service were spent at 
the Coast Guard Academy, serving as a Lead Laboratory Technician where 
he supported Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture students in 
operating equipment needed for their capstone projects.
  Mr. Jacobson is a resident of Waterford, Connecticut, and a native of 
northern Minnesota.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Member serving the 2nd District of Connecticut, I 
have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Jacobson to build the 
Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative in Eastern Connecticut. The program's 
award-winning success has been recognized both locally and nationally 
at a time when the demand for skilled metal trades workers is at an 
historic high level. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and 
the American people, I express deep gratitude for Mr. Jacobson's 
contributions during his service with Three Rivers. I join Mr. 
Jacobson's family, friends, and colleagues in wishing him all the best 
in retirement.

                          ____________________