Home  
  • Operational Excellence
    • Continuous Improvement
    • Quality Systems
    • Change Management
    • Manufacturing Economics
    • Materials Management
    • Cybersecurity
    • Business Growth/Marketing Expansion
  • Workforce Strategies
    • Skills Pathway
    • On-the-Job Training & Apprenticeships
    • Manufacturing Occupational Skills Training
    • Mechanical Systems Skills Training
    • MACWIC
  • Innovative Growth Solutions
    • Enterprise, Strategy & Transformation
    • Product Innovation & Commercialization
    • Technology & Market Acceleration
    • Enterprise Manufacturing Network
    • Sales & Marketing Toolkit
  • Manufacturing USA
  • About
    • Overview of MassMEP
    • Partners & Resources
    • Board of Directors
    • MassMEP Leadership
    • Impact Report
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • News Releases
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Next Generation Manufacturer Newsletter
  • Workshops
  • Case Studies
  • Training Grants
  • Contact Us

Posts Tagged: MACWIC

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

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, and achievement.

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

CNC skills training, MACWIC, manufacturing, MassMEP, Training

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

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, and achievement.

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

CNC skills training, MACWIC, manufacturing, MassMEP, Training

MassMEP’s Bauer Appointed to Mass Workforce Board Association Executive Committee

By Kathie Mahoney In News Releases Posted 10/13/2016

Worcester, MA – At the Massachusetts Workforce Board Association Joint Summer Meeting, Ted Bauer, Director Workforce Development Strategies at MassMEP, was appointed to the Association’s Executive Committee. Secretary Ronald Walker, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, was in attendance.

Ted Bauer serves on the Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board(CMWIB) and also chairs the Career Center committee. Mr. Bauer has been involved with the CMWIB for over nine years.

The Massachusetts Workforce Board Association is a business-led organization that represents the members of the 16 Massachusetts regional workforce boards, and provides leadership in developing a collective vision of the workforce development system in the Commonwealth. The Association’s members include employers, representatives of labor, higher education, business and industry. Donald Gillis serves as its Executive Director.

The Massachusetts Workforce Board Association’s mission is to provide Workforce Investment Board members and workforce partners, through their Association representatives, with an independent vehicle to:
Analyze, develop, and promote a collective vision of the workforce development system,
Take initiative in developing recommendations for the design of a user friendly, market driven workforce system,
Share ideas on innovative responses to problems in coordinating the activities of the workforce system,
Discuss and build consensus for responses to initiatives from state agencies,
Develop strategies to increase the support and participation from the business and labor communities in WIB activities,
Take formal unified action on issues of common concern, and
Support and strengthen the development of WIBs’ and their partners’ capacity in each region.

“Ted Bauer brings decades of experience representing Massachusetts’ manufacturers and will be an asset to the Association,” said Stan Usovicz, Association Chair. Added Don Gillis, “Mr. Bauer’s skills will help the Association better respond to the needs of the next generation of manufacturers. We welcome him aboard.”

“MassMEP is honored to be selected for the Massachusetts Workforce Board and to have the opportunity to provide insight to key policy decision makers on the workforce needs of the manufacturing companies in the Commonwealth.” stated John Killam, President of MassMEP.


About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

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.

MACWIC, manufacturing, MassMEP

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.

2014award,jpg

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.

CredentialingGraphic

 

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.

 

CNC skills training, MACWIC, MassMEP, QCC

The latest news and information about Massachusetts manufacturing, workforce development, sustainability, lean methodologies, business development, and more — from your business partner, MassMEP.

For more information about MassMEP, our partners, and our member services, email us or call 508-831-7020.

Recent Posts
  • WHAT DID YOU MISS IN SAFETY COMPLAINCE FOR 2018? 02/13/2019
  • Manufacturers Face an Increase in Cyber Attacks in 2019 01/31/2019
  • MassMEP and ToolingU-SME Combine Efforts to Expand Workforce Education for Manufacturing Firms 01/15/2019
  • OSHA Recordkeeping Updates 01/07/2019
  • Challenges and Solutions for Workforce Development 01/03/2019
Categories
  • Blog Post (21)
  • News Releases (44)
  • Uncategorized (10)
  • Videos (6)
Archives
Tags
#MEPNationalNetwork B2B Business CNC skills training Compliance CyberSaint Cybersecurity Defense DFARS DoD grants Growth Jack Healy Leadership Lean MACWIC manufacturing manufacturing usa Marketing MassDevelopment MassMEP mfgday MFGUSA MSST NISTMEP north central massachusetts North Easton Machine Company On Boarding OSHA Plant Process Product Development QCC regulations robotics Safety SBANE skillsgap skills gap Training Western MA women in manufacturing workforce workforce development WPI

Links

  • Next Generation Manufacturer Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
  • Site Map

External Links

  • NIST
  • State/Commonwealth
  • MACWIC

Upcoming Events

Mar 13

Attracting & Retaining the Z & Millennial Generations for Manufacturing Western, MA

March 13 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Westfield-Barnes Airport
110 Airport Rd.
Westfield MA 01085
Mar 14

Attracting & Retaining the Z & Millennial Generations for Manufacturing Southeast, MA

March 14 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Controls for Automation
25 Constitution Drive
Taunton MA
Mar 19

Attracting & Retaining the Z & Millennial Generations for Manufacturing Berkshire Community College

March 19 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Berkshire Community College
MA
Mar 20

Attracting & Retaining the Z & Millennial Generations for Manufacturing Northeast, MA

March 20 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am
New England Die Cutting
96 Milk Street
Methuen MA
Mar 21

Attracting & Retaining the Z & Millennial Generations for Manufacturing Worcester, MA

March 21 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am
MassMEP
100 Grove Street
Worcester MA 01605
5088317020

View More…

Search MassMEP

Newsletter Sign-up

Please enter your email.

Stay on top of the latest information and resources for Massachusetts manufacturers by entering your email to sign up for our monthly newsletter. You’ll find it packed with timely, valuable information about workforce training, business and product development assistance, sustainable growth, and much more.

MEP National Network
© 2019 | Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership