Posts Categorized: News Releases

MassMEP Brings You Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Technologies Today

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post, News Releases Posted 08/28/2018

By John Killam, President, MassMEP

Mark your calendar for two special events:

The Future of Manufacturing Symposium (October 4, 2018)

Inaugural WPI/QCC Integrated Photonics Symposium (October 3, 2018)

On Thursday, October 4, 2018, MassMEP will bring the latest manufacturing news and experts to Worcester to showcase the Manufacturing USA Institute’s technologies and show you the ins/outs of the future at The Future of Manufacturing Symposium.

We know that technology changes rapidly and you may not always have access to the latest information. We hope you already realize that MassMEP can help improve your employees’ skills and increase top and bottom line revenues for your business through our Workforce Strategies, and Growth Services. Now MassMEP can be your connection to the Manufacturing USA Institutes.

We want your business to succeed into today’s fast-changing manufacturing world. We are proud to present The Future of Manufacturing Symposium, the first regional event showcasing emerging technologies developed by the Manufacturing USA Institutes. Join us and discover the future technologies opportunities for U.S. businesses and education institutions.

Join manufacturing executives, researchers, developers, and educators as we explore relevant, timely topics affecting manufacturing in Massachusetts and across the globe.

Featured Speakers include:

The Honorable Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito
Dean Kamen – Keynote Presentation – Founder, FIRST; President, DEKA Research & Development Co

Here is the full list of Speakers and Panel Topics

Panel discussions will focus on:

Exploring the future manufacturing needs of emerging technologies
Repurposing existing technologies to advance the mission of the Manufacturing USA Institutes
Preparing for the future of manufacturing: Collaboration, Workforce Development, and New Technologies
Cybersecurity and protecting your company

Additional topics covered include:

Advanced Fabrics and Textiles
Integrated Photonics
Robotics for Manufacturing
Flexible Hybrid Electronics
Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
Biofabrication
Cybersecurity Regulations

Space is limited—don’t delay! Register today.

Have questions? Contact Tricia Raynard at (617) 912-3800 or traynard@therendongroup.com

Also mark your calendar for this Manufacturing USA Institute event:

Inaugural WPI/QCC Integrated Photonics Symposium
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
9am-5pm, Rubin Campus Center, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

This will be an exclusive planning session for the WPI/QCC AIM Photonics LEAP facility with education, industry, and government representatives. Explore ways to facilitate SME’s engagement with the integrated photonics supply chain in New England area. Register today.

Silverside Detectors Selects CyberSaint Security and MassMEP Program to Address DFARS Cybersecurity Requirements

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 08/08/2018

In response to the DFARS mandate, Silverside Detectors successfully addressed NIST SP 800-171 requirements through the CyberSaint and MassMEP Program.

“MassMEP and CyberSaint came alongside our team, guiding them through the compliance standards and leading us to a level of preparedness matching our commitment to excellence.” said Sarah Haig, COO of Silverside Detectors

Based just outside of the Boston area in Cambridge, MA, Silverside’s team is fundamentally shifting the global security landscape. Silverside Detectors is committed to reducing the global threat of nuclear terrorism. The company’s neutron detection technology enables governments to deploy networks of detectors at nuclear material storage sites, in transit routes, and throughout cities. With a growing team made up of researchers, technicians, and engineers, Silverside is bringing their lithium thermal neutron detector to market and has had great success and traction especially in recent months.

Silverside’s customer base includes offices within the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, and therefore the team knew that cybersecurity best practices and compliance with the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, per NIST Special Publication 800-171, was a priority.

The new 800-171 controls, required by DoD, went into effect on December 31, 2017. The requirement applies to all DoD primary contractors and sub-contractors in the DoD Supply Chain for the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

It was apparent that Silverside’s needs went well beyond responding to customer questionnaires, and that real action to identify gaps and remediate was necessary. The team was also made aware that having a System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Actions and Milestones (POAM) was critical to proving adherence and adequate security in accordance with Department of Defense supply chain needs. Silverside would need to manage its own compliance with the 800-171 regulations in order to prepare to scale business through and beyond 2018, and have a cost-effective cybersecurity program that will mature in parallel with the company.

Silverside Detectors needed a plan of how to approach DFARS compliance and a solution that could be put in place quickly and easily to help with the DFARS assessment, without stalling other company initiatives. Silverside’s team also realized that they would need to self-manage their regulatory requirements beyond 2018 in order to stay competitive as their operation scales.

The Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) organized a program that leverages various funding options to subsidize consulting engagements paired with the CyberStrong Platform from CyberSaint Security. This program enables state or local manufacturers and DoD suppliers with rapid DFARS cybersecurity conformance.

“We are pleased to partner with CyberSaint to provide our client Silverside Detectors a solution to their Cybersecurity compliance requirement. CyberSaint provided a robust and comprehensive report out and roadmap that helped Silverside Detectors navigate through the Defense Industry and Homeland Security requirement,”

Tom Andrellos, MassMEP’s Director of Growth Services.

The CyberStrong Platform is a breakthrough Integrated Risk Management and continuously active assessment platform that helps customers become quickly and easily compliant with regulations such as DFARS 800-171. The platform guides both Information Technology professionals and non-IT professionals through the assessment framework control by control and provides actionable insights on next steps to mitigate risk, making compliance with regulations and adherence to customer questionnaires accessible regardless of company resources.

“We are excited to make the CyberStrong Platform accessible to our local community through our partnership with the MassMEP. As a company founded upon making cyber best practices accessible, it’s rewarding to see local businesses and new startups alike benefit from adopting proactive security measures,”

George Wrenn, CyberSaint’s CEO and Founder.

CyberStrong walks the user through the DFARS assessment (either the NIST SP 800-171 controls or the Handbook (HB)162 control set) and provides gap analysis and recommendations on which controls should be implemented to increase the overall compliance score while lowering risk in key areas.

Silverside asked MassMEP to participate in the DFARS cybersecurity program, which included key CyberSaint stakeholders identifying Silverside’s Target of Evaluation, qualifying what was and was not considered Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), walking through the technology architecture and explaining the best plan of action on how to close key DFARS compliance gaps. In just three sessions, the CyberSaint team used the CyberStrong Platform to expedite the conformance process and finished the engagement successfully, and much quicker than anticipated.

“The challenge of a startup is keeping pace with regulations without depleting company resources. MassMEP and CyberSaint came alongside our team, guiding them through the compliance standards and leading us to a level of preparedness matching our commitment to excellence. Without their expertise and support, we would not be where we are today,”

Sarah Haig, COO of Silverside Detectors.

Silverside presently manages the CyberStrong SaaS Platform on its own and has at its disposal priorities on how to remediate going forward through 2018. Thanks to CyberSaint and MassMEP’s DFARS cybersecurity program, Silverside Detectors successfully addressed the NIST SP 800-171 requirements and is empowered to proactively address cybersecurity measures as the company grows.

About CyberSaint

CyberSaint Security empowers organizations to implement automated, intelligent cybersecurity compliance and risk management that enables measurement, enhances communication and improves cybersecurity resiliency. The CyberSaint team’s intellectual DNA winds deeply through the academic, tech, and investment communities in Boston, the White House, RSA, IBM, EMC, MIT, Harvard, University of Cambridge, KPMG and others.

About MassMEP

Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the national NIST MEP system, is a leading resource for manufacturers. Committed to success in manufacturing, MassMEP transforms companies through solutions focused on innovative growth, operational excellence, and workforce development. The organization cultivates a sustainable community built on supportive relationships, idea sharing, achievement, and next-generation manufacturing. For more information, visit www.massmep.org.

TribalVision and MassMEP Join Forces in Supporting Massachusetts Manufacturers

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 08/07/2018

TribalVision and Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (“MassMEP”) have announced a collaboration that will offer both express and general grants to manufacturers through the commonwealth of Massachusetts. This partnership will enable MassMEP to now be able to support Massachusetts manufacturers with the marketing tools and training needed to compete and grow in today’s competitive global business arena.

The General Program Training grant will allow manufacturing Companies to apply for a grant up to $250,000. The Express Grant Funds are limited to $30,000 per company per calendar year. Businesses can apply for grants to train current and newly hired workers.

“We’re excited to be partnering with TribalVision to now offer growth services to our Massachusetts manufacturers,” Tom Andrellos Director of Growth Services of MassMEP. “Through the approval of these express and general grants, manufacturers in Massachusetts will now be able to access a level of marketing training and resources that until now were unavailable through MassMEP. We are opening up our offering to extend beyond traditional lean and operational excellence support and are excited to be partnering with TribalVision on this initiative.”

Chris Ciunci, Founder and Managing Partner of TribalVision said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Mass MEP to offer the depth of marketing training needed for Massachusetts manufacturers to be equipped to compete and win in today’s ever-changing global marketplace. The days of solely relying on trade shows and print publications for growth are ending, so it’s important for manufacturers to be equipped with the digital and social media expertise necessary to survive and thrive.”

For more information about the grants offered through MassMEP and TribalVision, visit: https://massmep.org/training-grants/

For Upcoming Marketing Workshops https://massmep.org/events-workshops/2018-10/
About MassMEP

MassMEP is a collaboration between academic, business and government partners dedicated to helping Massachusetts manufacturers meet the challenges of competing in an ever-changing economy. MassMEP creates economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises and the manufacturing ecosystem. This is achieved through providing operational excellence, workforce development strategies and innovative growth initiatives, enhanced through leveraging strategic public/private relationships.

To learn more, visit https://www.massmep.org/

About TribalVision

As an outsourced marketing department for hire, TribalVision’s mission is to help organizations grow. This is achieved by combining intelligent strategy with tactical execution in a hands-on, results-driven manner. TribalVision utilizes its clients’ marketing budgets as efficiently and intelligently as possible – ensuring that each dollar spent maximizes awareness and generates new business. TribalVision’s unique marketing model is designed to fully align interests with client outcomes – guaranteeing an objective, client-first partnership. This is demonstrated in the firm’s fee-based compensation structure, “roll up your sleeves” mindset, metrics-driven approach, and role as a trusted marketing resource tasked to help navigate organizations to higher grounds. To learn more, visit www.TribalVision.com.

Manufacturing is second-most targeted industry for cyber attacks

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 08/01/2018

Tom Andrellos, MassMEP Director of
Growth & Innovation

A collaboration between the Worcester-based Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership and Burlington cybersecurity firm CyberSaint seeks to help the state’s manufacturers doing work for the government better secure their information. In an interview, MassMEP Director of Growth Services Tom Andrellos spoke about the importance of cybersecurity in manufacturing in the 21st century.

Why is cybersecurity important in manufacturing?

Manufactures are unfortunately targets of hackers and attackers. Companies have become increasingly reliant on computer systems to vertically integrate product designs, manufacturing processes, cost structures, supplier networks and proprietary information throughout their supply chain. This information becomes potentially destructive and valuable information to competitors, agencies and governments around the world. A strong cyber security practice to risk mitigate these threats are crucial to the manufacturing operation to:

Defending your company’s vital data and information
Preventing theft or damage to your infrastructure, equipment and systems
Avoiding major disruptions to operations and delivery of products
Protecting your employee’s personal information
Shielding your organization from negative publicity

Does this disproportionately affect manufacturers?

According to a recent report from the U’S. Department of Homeland Security, manufacturing is the second highest industry with the most reported cyber attacks, only subsequent to health care.

Is this a problem particularly for manufacturers doing work for the government?

The short answer is no. All type of companies in all industry sectors are open to cyber attackers and must take this threat seriously. Based on a report the top five industries at risk of cyber attacks are health care, manufacturing, financial services, government and transportation.

When did this start becoming a problem in manufacturing?

My guess this has been going on for some time. However, over the recent years the technology and hackers are becoming more sophisticated, so it’s a consistent challenge to keep up with protecting and securing our information. As cyber criminals increasingly target manufacturers, the FBI now estimates that over $400 billion worth of intellectual property leaves the U.S each year. As we move forward this issue, it is not going away. Manufacturers must ensure cyber security is part of their annual budgets. They need to initiate supply chain compliance (you’re as good as the weakest link) and work with experts to help them identify gaps, corrective actions and plans to secure critical information.

How many Mass. manufacturers do work for the government?

It’s been estimated (2016 data) that Massachusetts defense industry network of supplier is approximately 1,800 out of the total 7,500 manufacturing companies. This ranges from our large OEM’s such as Raytheon and General Dynamics to small manufacturers of sub assemblies, sheet metal, machine parts, electronics, power supplies, etc.

How does this partnership with CyberSaint address that issue?

The partnership MassMEP has established with CyberSaint was developed to address and focus on specific industries like the defense and homeland security. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) created the cyber security framework to provide organizations with guidance on how to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber attacks. NIST required all Department of Defense manufacturers that process, store or transmit controlled information to meet the Defense Acquisition Regulation Supplement minimum security standards, or risk their future business if not in compliance with the standards. These standards must be implemented at the contractors and all levels of their supply chain utilizing the security guidance in the NIST security requirement handbook. This was a major task for many of our clients at MassMEP to navigate the process of assessing a most critical area of risk. MassMEP recognized that partnering with an expert like CyberSaint to help our clients navigate through the process addresses the issue and provides a cost effective risk mitigation plan that meets cybersecurity requirements and sustains business.

This interview was conducted and edited for length and clarity by WBJ Staff Writer Zachary Comeau.

The Future of Manufacturing Symposium

By Sean Healy In Blog Post, News Releases Posted 07/16/2018

MassMEP is proud to present the first regional event showcasing the emerging technologies being developed by the Manufacturing USA Institutes. Join us on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at the DCU Center in Worcester for The Future of Manufacturing Symposium and discover future technologies opportunities for U.S. businesses and education institutions.

MFGOurFuture

Why You Should Attend:

Exclusive Massachusetts showcase of the Manufacturing USA Institute’s technologies
Attendees include manufacturing executives, researchers, developers and educators
Network and explore partnership opportunities

Panel discussions will focus on:

Exploring the future manufacturing needs of emerging technologies
Repurposing existing technologies to advance the mission of the Manufacturing USA Institutes
Preparing for the future of manufacturing: Collaboration, Workforce Development and New Technologies
Cybersecurity and protecting your company

You can read more at our Event Website.

Is Your Business in Compliance with DoD Cybersecurity Regulations?

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post, News Releases Posted 04/25/2018

What’s Trending in Manufacturing

By John Killam, President, MassMEP

In 2017, the DoD issued a mandate that by December 31, 2017, all DoD contractors (including small businesses) must meet minimum cybersecurity requirements or risk losing DoD business.Manufacturing companies that produce products for contractors of the Department of Defense (DoD) face new challenges when it comes to complying with cybersecurity regulations. Perhaps the first hurdle is that many don’t even know they are required to do this! Few are aware of the DOD’s cybersecurity regulations, never mind how to comply. But don’t fret, the MassMEP can help navigate these uncharted waters.

Ensure that any unclassified DoD information kept on a contractor’s/vendor’s internal data system is safeguarded from cyber attacks, and
Any consequences associated with a breach are assessed and minimized via the cyber incident reporting and damage assessment processes.

How Did This Come About?
The Joint Task Force Transformation Initiative was launched in April 2009 by the DoD and Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). The goal of the Initiative was to create cybersecurity standards consistent across different federal agencies. As this was developing, Congress added additional requirements to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

In 2015, The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) developed cybersecurity standards (Special Publication 800-171 “Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Non-federal Information Systems and Organizations”) that the DoD implemented in their policies and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). The publication was revised in December 2016.

We’re a small manufacturing company. Do we really need to worry about cybersecurity? The short answer is, Yes!

Most small manufacturers don’t consider the impact of a cybersecurity breach. But today, as hackers become more adept at accessing systems, cyber attacks can come in many forms: phishing, web attacks, spam, identity theft, and ransomware.

Even small business can be hacked. In fact, the majority (70%) of reported breaches affected small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. A sustainable plan is vital for a small business’ survival – one cyber attack can devastate a business.

What Does this Mean for My Small Business?
As a small business contracting with the DoD, you are required to adhere to two basic cybersecurity standards:

Provide adequate security to protect defense information kept on internal data systems. The standards include:
- Access Control Media
- Awareness & Training
- Audit & Accountability Configuration Management
- Identification & Authentication Incident Response Maintenance
- Media Protection
- Personnel Security
- Physical Protection
- Risk Assessment
- Security Assessment
- System & Communications Protection System & Information Integrity
Immediately report any cyber breaches/issues and cooperate with DoD to respond to these.

MassMEP has established an integrated approach with multiple solutions to work with Massachusetts manufacturing companies to determine the best solution for them.

What Do I Do if a Breach is Discovered?
1. Don’t panic. Cybersecurity occurs in a dynamic environment. Hackers are constantly coming up with new ways to attack information systems and DoD is constantly responding to these threats. So, even if a contractor does everything right and institutes the strongest checks and controls, it is possible that someone will come up with a new way to penetrate these measures. DoD does not penalize contractors acting in good faith. The key is to work in partnership with DoD so that new strategies can be developed to stay one step ahead of the hackers.

2. Contact DoD immediately – in fact, a breach must be reported to the DoD within 72 hours of discovery. An online form is available for reporting the breach.
3. Contact MassMEP to determine how to best determine next steps.

How do I meet the SP 800-171 Requirements?
Meeting the SP 800-171 is an ongoing process that involves continuous assessment, monitoring, and improvement. Periodically assess the security controls in your company’s systems to determine if the controls are effective in their application. Develop and implement plans of actiondesigned to correct deficiencies and reduce or eliminate vulnerabilities in systems. Monitor security controls on an ongoing basis to ensure the continued effectiveness of the controls. Develop, document, and periodically update system security plans that describe system boundaries, system environments of operation, how security requirements are implemented, and the relationships with or connections to other systems.

Although these requirements may initially seem overwhelming, small businesses can use this framework to divide the project into small, manageable chunks and work toward attaining compliance.

What is a System Security Plan?
A System Security Plan is a document that describes how a small manufacturer meets the security requirements for a system or how a small manufacturer plans to meet the requirements. The system security plan describes the system boundary, the environment in which the system operates, how the security requirements are implemented, and the relationships with or connections to other systems

How Can I Protect My Company?
Cybersecurity is vital to the health of your business. Ensuring your data is safe protects the integrity and confidentiality of your information and provides numerous advantages. A cybersecurity program can help your business:

Avoid potential losses
Ensure employee and customer privacy by protecting confidential information
Protect valuable business data
Lessen vulnerability for an attack

It’s important that manufacturers understand and manage the risk and establish a cybersecurity protocol to protect your most critical assets. Based on information provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), MassMEP recommends these steps to help reduce your risk of a cyber attack.

Five Steps to Reduce Cyber Risks
MassMEP has established a structured approach that focuses on the five major steps to reduce cyber risks through a comprehensive set of options and solutions. These simple, low-cost steps are based on the official NIST guidance from the Cybersecurity Framework and have been tailored to meet the needs of small businesses.

IDENTIFY – Know who has access to your information and maintain control of that access. Ensure risk reduction by conducting background checks on anyone with access. Require each employee to have an individual user account. Create policies and procedures for cybersecurity and ensure your employees are aware of them and understand protocol.

PROTECT – Limit the number of people who have access to data, safeguard your data by installing surge protectors and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), ensure you are patching operating systems and applications on a routine basis, install software and hardware firewalls on your networks, secure wireless access points, create web and email filters, utilize encryption software to protect sensitive information, properly and securely dispose of old computers/media, and ensure your employees understand the risks and are trained appropriately.

DETECT – Be proactive by installing and updating anti-virus controls/software (anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-malware), develop logs, and monitor usage.

RESPOND – Be ready to respond and generate a plan for security breaches and disasters to ensure you are able to respond in the most timely manner.

RECOVER – Install automatic backup software and ensure you are regularly backing up information, make full backups of business data and confidential information, invest in cyber insurance to protect your assets should a breach occur, and continually access and make necessary improvements to cybersecurity processes and procedures.

Additional resources are available at NIST’s web site and a FAQ from the DoD.

Still have questions? Contact MassMEP today to get the help you need to ensure your business meets these new regulations.

MassMEP Presents Manufacturing Leadership Award to North Easton Machine Company

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post, News Releases Posted 02/27/2018

MassMEP Presents Manufacturing Leadership Award to North Easton Machine Company

Worcester, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, is pleased to present the 2^nd annual Jack Healy Manufacturing Leadership Award to North Easton Machine Company, Inc. North Easton is being recognized for their dedication to training and for building a skilled workforce.

“MassMEP is honored to recognize North Easton Machine for their dedication to advancing manufacturing in Massachusetts and for their workforce,” stated John Killam, President, MassMEP. “Their consistent emphasis on training programs for their employees has led them to a leadership position in Massachusetts for on-site workforce development. As a result, the quality of their product is world-class.”

The Manufacturing Leadership Award is in honor of MassMEP’s founding president, Jack Healy. Jack embodied the essence of manufacturing and best practices. His long career in manufacturing oversaw the expansion of several manufacturing companies and he was instrumental in promoting the importance of manufacturing to the Massachusetts economy.

“We are thrilled to receive the Jack Healy Manufacturing Leadership Award,” said Paula Martel, HR Manager, North Easton Machine Company. “We believe that to achieve workforce growth, we must employ a multi-pronged approach. We must find qualified trainees, upskill entry level staff, and grow our leaders. MassMEP is a vital partner providing programs that aid our employees in maximizing their individual potential and enhancing the overall success of our team.”

North Easton Machine Company was founded in 1964 by Donald Holbrook. Holbrook purchased his first Brown & Sharpe cam screw machines from his former employer, Easton Machine Products, when the two partners split and auctioned off the assets of the business. He set up shop in one bay of his two car garage at his home in North Easton, Massachusetts, and North Easton Machine Company was born. Working full time for Machine Craft in Whitman, Massachusetts, he ran his own machines after work until midnight most nights. His wife Marie would order material, tools, and accept deliveries during the day to support his nightly production. Donald eventually left his job and dedicated himself to the business full-time. The business expanded several times over the years to its current 15,000 square foot facility. Over the last 54 years North Easton Machine has evolved into a state of the art CNC turning and milling company. Currently run by Donald’s son, Jon Holbrook, the business has been supported by family members spanning four generations.

About MassMEP

Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the national NIST MEP system, is a leading resource for manufacturers. Committed to success in manufacturing, MassMEP transforms companies through solutions focused on innovative growth, operational excellence, and workforce development. The organization cultivates a sustainable community built on supportive relationships, idea sharing, achievement, and next generation manufacturing. For more information, visit www.massmep.org.

MassMEP Diversifies Accelerated CNC Training Program, Partners with Seven Hills Foundation

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post, News Releases Posted 02/20/2018

For more information please contact:

Kathie Mahoney, kathiem@massmep.org

Worcester, MA – This February, nine participants in the MassMEP Accelerated CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Skills Training Program completed their training and received advanced MACWIC certification. The graduates spent seven weeks participating in an intensive experience that incorporates both classroom and hands-on curriculum to prepare them for jobs as CNC machine operators. This class was the first in which MassMEP partnered with Seven Hills Foundation in Worcester to train one of their supported individuals.

MassMEP’s training model combines classroom instruction, virtual simulation, and hands-on training to build job-ready skills. Additionally, students are provided work readiness skills that are critical in order to secure employment in today’s manufacturing industry. The training program was funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and Hollings Manufacturing Extension Program.

Congratulations to MassMEP’s Accelerated CNC Skills Training Program

graduation class, February 2018.

What began as an idea to train people with autism for careers in manufacturing morphed into a pilot project broadened to include people with various disabilities. One highly motivated individual, who happened to be in a wheelchair, was selected for this initial pilot. With support services from Seven Hills and a willingness from all training partners to see what was possible, Kelly O’Brien graduated as a certified CNC machine operator with the rest of her class.

Kelly O’Brien is the first Seven Hills Foundation client to graduate from

MassMEP’s Accelerated CNC Skills Training Program, February 2018.

“Kelly has worked hard and shown the drive and determination to take advantage of this opportunity and build a career path in a sector that is highly sought and needed here in Massachusetts,” said Trudy Dould, Clinician at Seven Hills Foundation. “Throughout this training, she showcased her abilities and did not let her disability present an obstacle in her goal of obtaining this certificate.” Seven Hills, along with other partners, is in the process of obtaining a special, motorized wheelchair that will allow Kelly to achieve a vertical, standing position to assist her at work.

“Seven Hills is committed to partner with MassMEP to provide manufacturing training to some of our supported individuals,” said Dr. David Jordan, President of Seven Hills Foundation. “This is a wonderful opportunity to educate and empower people to live the valued and meaningful life they choose…and provide Massachusetts manufacturers with great employees.”

Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

About MACWIC

The purpose of the Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovative Collaborative is to preserve manufacturing tribal knowledge and to execute the transfer of knowledge and critical skills to the current and future workforce. For more information, visit http://www.macwic.org

MassMEP Launches New Mechanical Skill Training Program

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 02/12/2018

For More Information Contact:

– Kathie Mahoney, kathiem@massmep.org

MassMEP Launches New Mechanical Skill Training Program

Worcester, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, recently celebrated the graduation of the first class of students to complete Mechanical Systems Skills Training, a comprehensive new training program in mechanical power transmission for the shop floor. Participants learn skills in machine shafts & keys, bearings, belt drives, chain drives, machine shaft couplings, gear drives, machine speed reduces, electric brakes, and mechanical components. The next class starts March 5, 2018.

“The new training is designed to address the lack of mechanical skills in manufacturing,” stated John Killam, President MassMEP. “This type of introduction to the operating principles of power transmission in the most effective way, with skills-based training using the same industrial-strength components used in factory environments. We are thankful to the funding from the Baker-Polito Administration, through a Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant, to purchase the equipment.”

Mechanical Systems Skills Training features hands-on work with robust, stand-alone, mobile training stations. Rugged components are housed in a heavy-duty mobile framework with a customized modular drawer storage system. Classroom learning and the bench work hand-in-hand.

Eight people participated in the first class. Will Lyon from Epic Polymer Solutions (Northborough, MA) has a background as a motorcycle mechanic. He enjoyed being able to use brand new tools and parts. His co-worker, Michael Ducasse, shared, “Even though this course was pretty easy for us, we did find that some of the components on the work bench were not aligned properly. The fact that things were not perfect and we had to trouble shoot made it more like what you come up against on the job so we got a lot out of it!”

Rick Gemme, Manufacturing Operations Supervisor from Bose Corporation (Framingham, MA), stated that in the past they would send one person to a class like this and then that person would come back and share knowledge with the group. His company runs three shifts. Sending each person to the class helps them standardize procedures and ensure the same focus.

For more details, see the Mechanical System Skills Training brochure: http://massmac.org/newsline/1801/MSST_brochure.pdf

The next class starts March 5, 2018 and will be offered two days a week, three hours per day for four weeks. For more information, please contact Leslie Parady at lesliep@massmep.org or 508-831-7020 ext. 21.

About MassMEP

MassMEP Graduates Manufacturing-Trained Workers in the More Skilled Workers Program

By Sean Healy In News Releases Posted 03/21/2017

Worcester, MA – MassMEP recently celebrated the graduation of students who participated in the Advanced CNC Program funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The graduation was attended by Representatives Jeffrey Roy and Daniel Donahue, Senator Michael Moore, and the graduates’ family members.

Presenting citations to manufacturing graduates of the More Skilled Workers program. Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Rep. Daniel Donahue, Senator Michael Moore.

At the ceremony, Rep. Roy, House Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus Committee, recognized the hard work of the graduates and their dedication to building on their skill base in order to enter into a manufacturing career. Rep. Roy stated, “Congratulations for taking the step to be a part of the manufacturing renaissance that is going on in Massachusetts. Manufacturing is flourishing in Massachusetts.”

The Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification training program was developed by the Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative (MACWIC) to meet the demands of Massachusetts manufacturers. Since it’s launch, MassMEP has graduated 326 students. The placement rate upon graduation is 93%, with an average starting wage of $18.00.

The MassMEP Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification program has worked with about 175 Massachusetts companies to provide assistance in filling their skills gaps. The benefit of the program is the cost savings to employers. By virtue of the candidates receiving the MACWIC credential upon graduation, an employer knows the competencies of the candidate prior to hiring them. This can save the employer significant time and cost when on-boarding a new employee.

The Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification pyramid.

“This 7-week training program is life-changing for the participants,” stated John Killam, MassMEP President. “The training they receive provides them with the skills to earn a living wage and support their family. These are not skills they had prior to this training course, but now they will have them for the rest of their lives.”

The graduates spent seven (7) weeks participating in an intensive classroom and hands-on curriculum to prepare for jobs as CNC operators. MassMEP’s training model combines classroom, simulation, and hands-on training to build job ready skills. Additionally, students are prepared with work readiness skills that are critical in order to secure employment in today’s manufacturing. Their hard work was rewarded at graduation with the receipt of certificates in OSHA training and Principles of Lean manufacturing, as well as a certificate of completion for their full course work. Representatives Roy and Donahue and Senator Moore also presented the graduates with citations from the State House.

The advanced CNC training program covers 260 hours overall and includes 80 hours of foundational manufacturing skills, 100 hours of advanced CNC skills training at WPI, 40 hours of MasterCAM, 10 hours of OSHA training, and 30 hours of career readiness. Upon graduation, the students receive a 10-hour OSHA general industry card, Massachusetts Pre-Apprentice certificate, and MACWIC certification.

The program is a three-phase training strategy to prepare and place individuals in a paid job and position them along a career pathway that would culminate in certificate/degrees as CNC machine operators. The Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and leveraged funding from MassDevelopment and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

Posts Categorized: News Releases

MassMEP Brings You Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Technologies Today

Silverside Detectors Selects CyberSaint Security and MassMEP Program to Address DFARS Cybersecurity Requirements

TribalVision and MassMEP Join Forces in Supporting Massachusetts Manufacturers

Manufacturing is second-most targeted industry for cyber attacks