Posts Tagged: CNC skills training

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 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.

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

About MACWIC

MassMEP and UMass Lowell address the biggest barrier to Manufacturing Growth

By Kathie Mahoney In News Releases Posted 02/24/2016

Worcester, MA – Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), a leading resource for manufacturing companies in Massachusetts, and UMass Lowell graduated the first class to complete the Advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing training program this month. Part of the Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification, the program’s 12 graduates spent eight weeks in an intensive curriculum of classroom and hands-on work to prepare for jobs as CNC operators. More than half of the graduates had a position upon graduation.

This group of students represents the first graduating class as part of the MassMEP/UMass Lowell Advanced CNC training partnership, which expands the existing MassMEP program that is endorsed by AIM and operated by MassMEP. The new partnership with UMass Lowell enables MassMEP to double its training capacity in advanced CNC technology.

“MassMEP is excited about this new partnership and the opportunity to expand our reach to further develop a skilled workforce in manufacturing,” stated Ted Bauer, Director Workforce Development Strategies. “More than half of the candidates had been placed into a job prior to graduation. The existing program with WPI has an over 90 percent job placement rate and we are excited to see the companies in the Lowell area responding as favorably to our graduates.”

The 280-hour Advanced CNC training program consists of:
· Level 1 – Shop Math, Blueprint Reading, Metrology and Quality Inspection, Work Readiness and Safety;
· Level 2 – Lean Manufacturing, CNC Mill Concepts and Hands-on, CNC Lathe Concepts and Hands-on, Intro to Programming and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing; and
· Level 3 – Advanced CNC Skills including set-up, fixturing, tool selection, quality inspection, CAD/CAM training and OSHA Safety. Included in Level 3 is additional work in resume-writing, interviewing skills, value stream mapping, SPC, and finance for the shop floor.

As part of a MassDevelopment program supported by the Office of Economic Adjustment grant, MassMEP provides the foundation level instructional training to the participants and UMass Lowell provides advanced training in CNC Machine Operations. UMass Lowell invested in CNC machines in its new College of Engineering Makerspace, where the hands-on portion of the program is held.

Job Fair with “Speed Interviewing”

A unique component of the program is a “speed dating” type of job fair that is conducted with local manufacturers before the conclusion of the class. This class’ job fair was held at New England Die Cutting, where 15 companies conducted a pre-interview with the 12 candidates.

“Through this important partnership, UMass Lowell and MassMEP are working together to assist industry in meeting its needs for skilled workers, to provide valuable training to individuals that will help them advance their careers and to help fuel the Commonwealth’s economy by keeping companies and jobs here,” said Joseph Hartman, dean of UMass Lowell’s Francis College of Engineering. John Mulligan, the lead instructor at UMass Lowell, said that it is impressive how much training can be successfully done during just eight weeks.

About UMass Lowell

UMass Lowell is a national research university located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community. The university offers its 17,500 students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be ready for work, for life and for all the world offers. http://www.uml.edu

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

MassMEP Recognizes Kathy Rentsch, Dean at Quinsigamond Community College, with 2014 Manufacturing Champion Award

By Kathie Mahoney In News Releases, Uncategorized Posted 12/08/2014

Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), a leading resource for manufacturing companies in Massachusetts, is pleased to recognize Dean Kathy Rentsch, Quinsigamond Community College, with the 2014 Manufacturing Champion Award. The award was presented at the December meeting of the MassMEP Board of Directors.

Kathy Rentsch, Dean at Quinsigamond Community College, and Ted Bauer, Manager of Workforce Development Programs at MassMEP

With the assistance and guidance of Ms. Rentsch, MassMEP developed and implemented a Certificate of Applied Manufacturing Technology. The Certification is a pathway to higher education for many individuals who do not have the skills for the jobs that are available in today’s manufacturing environment. Based on a five level pyramid, Level 3 of the Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification program, in combination with the structured on-the-job training, allows students to earn the first 26 credits of an A.S. degree in Applied Manufacturing Technology at Quinsigamond Community College.

Figure 1. MACWIC Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification

“Kathy Rentsch spent countless hours shepherding the Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification through the Community College articulation approval process and just as many hours assisting MassMEP as she patiently explained what needed to be done,” said Jack Healy, Director of Operations at MassMEP. “Without Kathy’s guidance, MassMEP would still be exploring ways to give credit for hands-on experience and the Center’s graduates would not have a solid career pathway that includes a higher education option.”

Ms. Rentsch is Dean for the School for Business Engineering & Technology at Quinsigamond Community College. She provides both academic and administrative leadership, establishing collaborative partnerships with industry, educational partners, and community agencies, and developing grants and other funding proposals to enhance programming. She spearheaded an industry, education, and community partner planning effort to secure a $750,000 National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grant to design and launch a public communication campaign on advanced manufacturing. This career awareness effort, called Mass-TEC, informed the statewide awareness campaign – “AMP It Up!”. She has been actively engaged in campus-based implemented of the USDO TAACCT/MA Community College Workforce Development Transformation Agenda, developing stackable certificates and more flexible and responsive curriculum pathways leading to industry credentials and employment in six key industries.

Posts Tagged: CNC skills training

MassMEP Presents Manufacturing Leadership Award to North Easton Machine Company

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

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

About MACWIC

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

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

About MACWIC

MassMEP and UMass Lowell address the biggest barrier to Manufacturing Growth

Job Fair with “Speed Interviewing”

About UMass Lowell

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

MassMEP Recognizes Kathy Rentsch, Dean at Quinsigamond Community College, with 2014 Manufacturing Champion Award

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