Hands-On Learning for the Future of Manufacturing

Hillhouse High School’s new 3,000 sq ft advanced manufacturing lab is helping students step confidently into the future. Designed to support hands-on training in CNC machining, welding, 3D printing, and other high-tech tools, the lab gives students access to real-world equipment and instruction that directly connect to growing career opportunities in manufacturing and engineering.

Delivered through a traditional design-bid-build process, the project was made possible by the close coordination of Milestone Construction Services, Christopher Williams Architects, IES Engineering, and the City of New Haven. From preconstruction through closeout, the team worked in lockstep with school leadership, public agencies, vendors, and subcontractors to meet the complex demands of building a specialized learning environment within an active high school campus.

Flexibility, communication, and shared commitment defined the team’s approach. Construction hours and delivery schedules were adapted in real time to minimize disruption to students and staff. Coordination with third-party equipment vendors ensured infrastructure was ready for seamless installation and commissioning. Prior to mobilization, Milestone held a preconstruction safety meeting with all trades to align expectations. Daily site inspections, toolbox talks, and safety walkthroughs were led by the superintendent to reinforce site-specific protocols. Despite the challenges of working on an active school campus, the project had zero recordable safety incidents.

The end result is a facility that not only meets the technical demands of today’s manufacturing sector but also reflects a deeper investment in community and equity. With many students coming from historically underserved backgrounds, the lab represents a tangible step toward greater opportunity.

As Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro stated at the ribbon cutting:
“This project will allow students to earn an associate’s degree in manufacturing and prepare them to enter the workforce with a high-paying job. Creating manufacturing pipelines is an investment in the local economy, STEM and the workforce, and opens doors for our kids.”

Energy-efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, ADA accessibility, and a highly insulated overhead door round out the lab’s thoughtful design, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and sustainable environment.

More than just a room full of state-of-the-art machines, the Hillhouse High School Manufacturing Lab is a gateway—to skills, to careers, and to a stronger, more equitable future for the students of New Haven. It stands as a model of what’s possible when collaboration, purpose, and passion align.