Middlesex Community College will receive funding for the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Program as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s $1.5 million in grants for new community college workforce training programs for adults looking to enter or re-enter the workforce.
“Our successful history of offering robust, hands-on training for the advanced manufacturing industry has provided many individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to get hired immediately in in-demand roles across the state,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for the funding to continue to advance and stabilize the careers for a diverse population of students, while equipping the local workforce with well-prepared, high-quality graduates.”
The grants, which are part of the Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) program, are being issued to 13 community colleges across Massachusetts to prepare residents for careers in fields such as education, health care, addiction recovery, cyber security, and manufacturing. The grants are estimated to provide free career training to more than 400 adult learners at community colleges across Massachusetts, with all programs targeting residents who are unemployed or underemployed.
“The success of MassReconnect has demonstrated that Massachusetts residents are eager to further their careers, and these training programs are another way to meet that need,” said Governor Maura Healey. “TRAIN grants allow community colleges to be responsive to regional workforce needs and quickly prepare residents to fill critical roles in our cities and towns.”
“These grants will not only offer new career opportunities to those seeking them, but they will bring lasting benefits to our communities by increasing the number of trained professionals in our schools, hospitals and beyond,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Massachusetts residents win across the board when employers in key industries can look into their communities and find the talent they need to carry out their missions.”
“Massachusetts’ community colleges are tuned into the workforce needs in their region and these grants allow colleges to meet those needs while bringing opportunities to residents looking to launch new careers with newly acquired and improved skills,” said Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler. “TRAIN grants allow community colleges to build on their existing programs and offer new opportunities targeted toward residents looking for entry or re-entry into the workforce.”
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration continues to invest in building our workforce, including partnering with our community colleges among other partners to prepare untapped talent right in Massachusetts to gain the skills expressed by employers across industries,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren E. Jones, who chairs the Workforce Skills Cabinet. “Thank you to our community colleges for opening their doors to increase training capacity and access for Massachusetts residents to pursue meaningful careers in health care, technology, manufacturing, and more—spanning regions throughout the state.”
“Workforce training is part of the essential role that Massachusetts community colleges play in our economy, and these grants help ensure that the colleges can be responsive to local workforce needs, while creating opportunities for residents,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “These free training programs allow accessible ways for adult learners to develop skills in areas that are in great demand, benefitting these learners and their families.”
TRAIN launched in 2016 serving four community colleges, and it has grown to offer grant opportunities to all 15 community colleges in Massachusetts.
MCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Program will consist of academic coursework, career readiness and hands-on manufacturing technology skills development. The program offers academic coursework and hands-on manufacturing technology skill development for a total of 160 hours, over approximately six weeks per cohort. Academic and workplace readiness courses – a total of 70 hours – will include mathematics, manufacturing best practices, career readiness and OSHA/Safety standards.
“We are thrilled to receive this funding from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to strengthen our non-credit Advanced Manufacturing Training Program run by our Corporate Education & Training department,” said Judy Burke, MCC’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Workforce Development. “Our curriculum is designed closely with industry partners, ensuring our students receive relevant, practical machining training that prepares them to jump into their new field with a comprehensive understanding of the work they will be doing.”
For more information, call Teresa Medina at 978-656-3009.