On Thursday, December 14, Middlesex Community College hosted a graduation ceremony for students who completed the RENEW Equipment Technician with Robotics course, in partnership with Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC). After completing the program, participants can be screened for open position at Insulet. The Acton-based medical device company creates delivery systems to treat people with diabetes and other conditions, according to their website.
“The program made a huge impact in enhancing my knowledge, expanding my horizons and providing better opportunities in the manufacturing industry,” said Sarah Kandula, a RENEW program graduate who spoke during the ceremony. “It is a great program that teaches solid fundamentals combined with great practical experience and would prepare anyone to take on future jobs in the Robotics industry.”
The nine program completers include Kandula, Saret Chem, Brendan Chesebro, Benita Nassali, Jonathan Roark, Dimitry Thevenin, Vandy Tray, Gian Varela and Calvin Whitaker. They are now sitting for the Tooling U certification exam.
“Congratulations to the graduates on their fantastic achievement,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “MCC is proud to partner with our sister institution and local businesses to offer students the opportunity to enhance their professional and personal lives. The graduation was a celebration of their grand efforts and strength, and the significance of this partnership.”
The Commonwealth Corporation with EOLWD and the Workforce Skills Cabinet awarded Mount Wachusett Community College the RENEW grant through funding by the American Rescue Plan Act. MCC, Mass Life Sciences, Insulet and MassHire coordinated to run the program.
“The program made a huge impact in enhancing my knowledge, expanding my horizons and providing better opportunities in the manufacturing industry. It is a great program that teaches solid fundamentals combined with great practical experience and would prepare anyone to take on future jobs in the Robotics industry.” - Sarah Kandula, a RENEW program graduate
"When Insulet was considering locations for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, the ability to partner with an established educational infrastructure in order to meet the need for skilled labor was a major consideration,” said Mark Longa, Insulet’s Group Vice President of Global Operations. “Our collaboration with MCC, Mass Life Sciences and MWCC’s RENEW program and the jointly developed curriculum has provided the framework by which Insulet will be able to have access to individuals that have the specific technical skills necessary to meet our continued growth needs."
The program ran from October 23 to December 14 on MCC’s Bedford campus. MWCC provided the robotics equipment and trainer, while MCC supported with instructors, curriculum, and collaboration with MassHire Lowell.
“People looking for an opportunity to add new skills or a new career direction should consider enrolling in the RENEW program,” said Jennifer Stephens, a RENEW program instructor. “The course is taught by a number of instructors with expertise in many technical areas relevant to advance manufacturing. Classroom activities include lecture, hands-on activities, self-paced online learning and conversation.”
MCC and MWCC plan for a Spring 2024 session on MCC’s Bedford campus from March 25 to May 16. The trainings will take place 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
For more information on Grant Funded Training Opportunities and to register.