Manufacturing USA Institutes with Joe Griffin
Posts Tagged: MassMEP
Jim Gusha
Training Grants Available to Massachusetts Businesses
With James Gusha
The Workforce Training Fund helps address business productivity and competitiveness by providing resources to Massachusetts businesses to train current and newly hired employees.
Challenges and Solutions for Workforce Development
By: Ted Bauer
Turning new hires or training current workforce into effective employees requires structure, standardization, and planning. That means developing and implementing an effective training plan that includes ongoing skills development for the entire workforce. Your company’s success depends on it.
Manufacturing is second-most targeted industry for cyber attacks
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
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.
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.
What is the 4th Industrial Revolution?
What is the 4th Industrial Revolution?
With its remarkable technological breakthroughs and promising impacts to our lives, NOW is the time to be a manufacturer.
MassMEP Diversifies Accelerated CNC Training Program, Partners with Seven Hills Foundation
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
MassMEP Graduates Manufacturing-Trained Workers in the More Skilled Workers Program
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
MassMEP Announces New Board Chair
Worcester, MA – Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), an economic development and management consulting organization committed to assisting small and mid-size manufacturers compete and grow in the global economy, is pleased to announce the election by unanimous vote of the new chair of the board of directors, William Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan, who joined the MassMEP board of directors in June 2016, is Vice President, Performance Products, for FLEXcon, Inc., (Spencer, MA).
“Since joining the board, Bill has been instrumental in our strategic growth,” stated John Killam, President, MassMEP. “He is a creative and progressive leader. We look forward to working with him to continue the growth of MassMEP.”
William Sullivan
Mr. Sullivan oversees the Performance Products business team at FLEXcon, which is responsible for the development, marketing, and commercialization of high performance adhesives, functional coatings, film castings, and functional microstructures. He is author of national published articles focused on FLEXcon’s success in creating Sharklet™, a functional microstructure that prevents the growth of bacteria through a unique microscopic design. Mr. Sullivan’s expertise is helping companies bring their concepts and ideas to life and then commercializing them.
“I am pleased to be named director of the MassMEP board,” said Sullivan. “This organization provides critical resources that help manufacturers improve processes, learn new techniques, and increase their knowledge about the latest trends in the manufacturing industry.”
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 FLEXcon
FLEXcon Company, Inc. is a global leader in coated and laminated films and adhesives used in graphics applications, manufactured goods and new products. For over 60 years, FLEXcon has provided a collaborative, consultative approach to deliver unique solutions that help customers achieve better business results. FLEXcon is a trusted partner to a wide range of companies from printers and fabricators to engineers and designers developing products for existing and emerging markets. Headquartered in Spencer, Mass., the company has operations throughout North America and Europe with distribution worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.flexcon.com/, follow FLEXcon on Twitter @FLEXcon, or call 1-508-885-8200.