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
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.