Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) visited the Hayward Pool Products’ facility in North Kingston, Rhode Island in early June on a mission to strengthen the partnership between education and business sectors to ensure students get the skills required to fill openings in growing industries.
During the tour, Langevin and company leaders discussed ways to better prepare the local workforce. Robert Hughes, Hayward’s manufacturing manager, and James Murdock, director of engineering, addressed the needs of the pool equipment manufacturer, which the two said continues to expand and emphasize energy-efficient products.
“We must listen to the needs of our local businesses and make sure we are best preparing students for cutting edge fields, like biotechnology and energy efficiency, that will drive the economy of the 21st century,” Langevin said.
