MICROELECTRONICS BOOT CAMP GRAD DESCRIBES ‘HUGE IMPACT’ OF TRAINING
NCC alumna works at BAE Systems, mentors students
NASHUA – Nearly a year into her career as an inspector at BAE Systems, Crystal Adams says the job has changed her life. “It’s had a huge impact. I’m a single mom, and working at BAE not only helps with the aspect of having a stable, reliable career – but I also like that I get to keep learning,” she said. Crystal came from a background in construction, and said she had hit the ceiling in her previous role. “At BAE, there’s no cap on what you can learn.”
Crystal joined the Microelectronics Boot Camp at Nashua Community College in July 2018, graduating in September of 2018. “I heard about the program through WIOA in Nashua,” she said, adding that BAE Systems was already on her radar. “I had friends who worked at BAE when I was younger, and I was at a point where I was going to choose plumbing or microelectronics,” she said.
When she saw the microelectronics lab at NCC for the first time, she made up her mind. “The science was so cool, and the culture of BAE snagged my interest. I also like the work they do for the military since a lot of my family served,” she said.
October 2019 will be Crystal’s one-year anniversary at BAE. “I like it a lot! The culture is great; like the military, no one gets left behind. They’re very family oriented, and they do a lot of charity events. They’re just a good company to work for, and there are a lot of opportunities.”
Cordan Haveron, a Value Stream Specialist at BAE Systems, addressed the Microelectronics class this August about the company and what they look for in candidates – “Innovation and a good attitude,” said Cordan, “Especially at BAE, because there is a lot to learn. If the employee can stay positive, the rest is all about training.”
On top of her job as a BAE inspector, Crystal also helps out at the NCC Microelectronics Lab, supporting the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Crystal lives with her 10 and 4-year old daughters in Milford.
“Like many of our students, Crystal found her way to the boot camp with help from WIOA. With WIOA’s assistance and the workforce development training, they have been able to find great jobs to improve their lives, and the lives of their families,” said Jon Mason, corporate, community, and continuing education coordinator at NCC. Jon oversees the boot camp, and other workforce development programs such as Medical Interpreter: Spanish – English, lean manufacturing, and customized business trainings.
The Microelectronics Boot Camp is a non-credit workforce development program, founded by a partnership between BAE Systems and Nashua Community College in 2016. Industry partners include MACOM, Mercury Systems, Lockheed Martin, API Tech, Monzite, TRM Microwave, MIT Lincoln Labs, and more.
The boot camp is enrolling now for the next session starting Sept. 16, 2019. Each session runs 10 weeks for 40 hours per week. The program cost is $5,500, and sessions run throughout the year.
For more information, visit the program webpage or contact Jon Mason at [email protected] or 603.578.8900 ext. 1763.
