The latest 10-week Precision Manufacturing Boot Camp graduated another cohort of future machinists this week
“They bonded immediately. Nobody is an island in this industry, you learn that on day one. They showed up for each other throughout the class,” said Jon Mason, Workforce Development Director at Nashua Community College.
Professor Mark Dodge also praised the group’s spirit of teamwork, “One of the most important things you can find is the collaboration between students in these groups, and this was an excellent example of that, and most of these students have already accepted positions at a company. You will be learning every day for the rest of your life on the job, that is a gift. You got your start here, but you’ll continue on from there.”
Dodge said 10 weeks is not a long time, “But in 10 weeks, doors are opened for all of you that wouldn’t have been before.” He thanked the industry partners in attendance at the graduation.
“Manufacturing is key to our success in New Hampshire, this is a good cause.” The defense-manufacturing partners picked up the tab for students’ tuition, said Dodge. “This is a life changing experience for some of our students; we have people from all ages and backgrounds. I’m very proud to be associated with this group.”
The Precision Manufacturing Boot Camp is free for students thanks to the support of a New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership – Powered by SENEDIA – The Alliance for Defense Tech, Talent, and Innovation, and Granite State Manufacturing.
David Yassemedis came out of retirement to join the team of instructors in the boot camp. “I call these guys ‘surgeons of steel’. It’s not easy, they have to pay attention to detail, they have to take it seriously. You miss one little thing, and the job won’t come out right.”
Mike Morrell of Granite State Manufacturing congratulated graduates, “From the houses that we live in, to the cars we drive; it all starts in the machine shop. There are many paths in this trade, and you will find your own.”
Brett Mader spoke on behalf of the graduates, “Machining is more than just standing there operating; it’s problem solving, precision, and the pursuit of perfection. I can say this has changed all of our lives for the better.”
Brad O’Brian, one of the lab instructors, addressed the graduates as well, “I really enjoyed teaching this class. About 10-15 years ago, I was in the same boat. I went to Jon [Mason] and asked to take a class and learn some skills. Later on, I wanted to give back to the community and help new people learn the trade.”
"I see future machinists here, congratulations to each one of you.”
Congratulations to the 6th class of Precision Manufacturing Boot Camp graduates:
Christopher Paul Anctil, Richard Deramo, Ryan French, Ryan Johnson, Brett Mader, Mishank B. Patel, Felix A. Santiago Jr., Emilio Santos Olivarez, Wilberth Vargas Estrella
Learn more about Workforce Development training at Nashua Community College. Visit nashuacc.edu/career-training/individual-enrollment, or contact Jon Mason at jmason@ccsnh.edu, or 603.717.1490.
