Workforce training program prepares grads for lifelong careers
The Microelectronics Boot Camp, a 10-week hands-on career training at Nashua Community College, celebrated its 27th graduation Friday. “We’ve had over 300 people come through, and a 96 percent hiring rate,” said Jon Mason, Corporate, Community, and Continuing Education Coordinator at NCC.
Mason praised the 27th graduating class for their work ethic and determination, “This class was a group who worked hard every step of the way. Two students came out of homelessness during the class, and now have their own places. This group does not know the meaning of the word ‘quit’. No one gave up, no one threw their hands up; they all kept working.”
The Microelectronics Boot Camp was founded to prepare students for entry-level careers in wire/ribbon bonding and die attach for microelectronic components in manufacturing.
“Now you have an invaluable skill that you can make a career out of – not just a job, but a career,” said Kim Silva, Microelectronics Boot Camp Lab Assistant and BAE Systems employee. “You have quite literally transformed your lives, but don’t be complacent, keep learning.”
Bill Hannabach, Vice President of US Operations at MACOM emphasized this point, “This is the beginning, not the end of your journey. The world is your oyster and you’ve made a great investment.”
The majority of students have already received job offers, and the rest are interviewing with local companies. Graduate Lucas Normand has accepted a job with MACOM, and spoke on behalf of his class on Friday, “This class was definitely special. We all pushed each other forward and helped build our skills.”
Normand said it was his family who encouraged him to enroll in the boot camp, but what finally sold him was a tour of BAE Systems, “Not only are these companies passionate about the work, but they’re passionate about the people they want to hire; that is what brought me here.”
Boot camp instructor Jim Flis commended the support network that surrounds the program, including alumni mentors, industry and community partners, and lab assistants. “Our 13 students now join the ranks of the hundreds that have passed through this program to go on and begin successful careers in the manufacturing industry.”
Graduates of the 27th Microelectronics Boot Camp: Philip Abi Farah, Amber Barillas, Taylor Blais, Kyle Castellone, Eric Del Villar, Jason Liriano, Alex Nop, Lucas Normand, Charles Perkins, Jayvian Rivera, Timothy Sanroma, Tarra Woltering, and Nathy Xaysonkham
About the Boot Camp
The Microelectronics Boot Camp was developed in partnership with BAE Systems in 2016 to address the shortage of skilled candidates in microelectronics manufacturing. NCC also works closely with industry partners such as Draper Labs, Microsembly, Mercury Systems, L3 Harris Technologies, API Technology, MACOM, MIT Lincoln Labs, Lockheed Martin, Monzite, and more. As a founding partner, all program graduates get the chance to interview with BAE Systems.
Boot Camp students have ranged in age from recent high school graduates to professionals in their 60s, including veterans and workers from across industries seeking a career change. Students are frequently supported by community partners including WIOA, the Front Door Agency, and MY TURN, INC. Alumni also return to mentor each new generation of students both on campus and in the workplace.
Microelectronics Boot Camps enroll throughout the year. Each session runs 10 weeks for 40 hours per week and costs $5,500. To learn more or enroll, contact Jon Mason at [email protected], or 603.578.8900 ext. 1763.
About Nashua Community College
Since 1970, Nashua Community College has been successfully meeting the educational needs of Greater Nashua by delivering a high quality two-year, post-secondary education. The college partners closely with area industries that provide students with a unique perspective in their fields of study, allowing for a real-world experience to further their academic journey. Students can choose from a variety of associate degree, certificate, and career training programs. Nashua Community College is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire. The seven community colleges in the system are committed to working with businesses throughout the state to train and retain employees to develop a robust workforce across all sectors. Learn more at nashuacc.edu.
