Microelectronics & Precision Manufacturing students ready for entry-level, high-demand careers
The Microelectronics and Precision Manufacturing boot camp, 10-week hands-on career training classes at Nashua Community College, teamed up to celebrate their graduates together Friday, Nov. 1.
The event marked the 34th cohort for the Microelectronics Boot Camp, which launched in partnership with BAE Systems, Inc. in 2016.
The newer Precision Manufacturing Boot Camp celebrated its 5th cohort of graduates Friday.
Congratulations to all the graduates
Microelectronics: Joao Barroso, Matthew Elliott, Andy Em, Wilber Frias, Kristina McLean, John McShea, Maribi Reyes, Wyatt Stetson, Ian (Toby) Wells, Ayslinn Konopka
Precision Manufacturing: Daniel Beaucler, Thomas Giannotte, Alexander Haas, Zachary Kemp, Nathan Litalien, Samantha Niquette, Cody Sarette, William Stepanik, Alex Szewczyk, and Michael Tufts
VP of Student and Community Affairs Barry Garside thanked industry and community partners for their support and attention to students, contributing to the high student success rate. “Our mission talks about student success and college accessibility, and without our partners we couldn’t do it.”
Microelectronics graduates are guaranteed interviews with founding partner, BAE Systems, Inc. Students also begin careers with industry partners such as Draper Labs, Microsembly, Mercury Systems, L3 Harris Technologies, API Technology, MACOM, MIT Lincoln Labs, Lockheed Martin, Monzite, and more.
Precision Manufacturing students are guaranteed interviews with Granite State Manufacturing. The precision training is also supported by the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership – Powered by SENEDIA – The Alliance for Defense Tech, Talent, and Innovation, which makes it possible for students to enroll for free.
Jon Mason, director of Workforce Development at NCC, said this is the first time the two graduations have happened on the same day, but that they’re both equally critical for local industry – they just work on different scales. “The machining guys are making parts that will need a forklift to pick up, and the microelectronics guys will make things you need a microscope to see. But they’re all making a difference”
Microelectronics Boot camp instructor Jim Flis congratulated all the graduates, “We’ve got a fine group representing the program and the college.”
"In 10 weeks, each of these people here have changed their lives for the better. You now have a marketable skill that will get you in the door to an exciting career.”
Precision Manufacturing graduate Michael Tufts addressed the audience on behalf of his peers, “This is the best and most difficult training that I’ve ever completed. Everyone in the class was amazing, nobody got left behind. I was in the Army, I retired about 2 years ago. I attempted a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and found it was a bad fit for me. After that semester I had no direction.”
His friend recommended the precision manufacturing class. “I came down and interviewed with Jon Mason and got accepted. The first day was like a bomb dropped, I thought I was in over my head. But I kept going. You have to trust the process. The most valuable thing they teach in this class how to solve problems.”
Graduate Matthew Elliott represented the Microelectronics class, “Day 1 of this class was like being dropped on another planet. Luckily, I was not alone through any of this. The instructors are amazing; they have an incredible amount of wisdom. Our cohort is very diverse, people of all ages and experiences. Our instructors met each of us where we’re at.” Elliott said industry professionals came in for additional training, NCC instructor Woody Thornton ran a Lean Manufacturing training, and Jon Mason offered life skills training such as resume writing and mock interviews. “We stuck it out. And most importantly, we helped each other out.”
About the Boot Camps
Microelectronics and Precision Manufacturing Boot Camps enroll throughout the year. Sessions are 10 weeks at 40 hours per week. The boot camp is WIOA eligible. The next Microelectronics Boot Camp begins Monday, Nov. 18. The next Precision Manufacturing Boot Camp is due to begin in December 2024. To learn more or enroll, contact Jon Mason at [email protected], or 603.578.8900 x1763.
See the event photos at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBQxK6
