Middlesex Community College held a graduation ceremony for the Pathmaker Program on Thursday, March 13. Helping to build job training opportunities for in-demand careers within Massachusetts, MCC’s program assists in filling gaps in the life sciences workforce.
“Throughout this program, we’ve learned a lot about robotics and automation technology, and also gained valuable skills that will help us in the workplace and in our day-to-day lives as well,” said Sujay Patel, an MCC Pathmaker Program graduate who spoke during the event. “I would like to thank the Insulet Corporation, MassHire and MCC for bridging the gap between education and real-world opportunities. The future belongs to those who never stop learning, so let’s keep learning, growing and taking on new challenges toward the success.”
Through funding by the Mass Life Sciences Center Pathmaker Initiative, MCC offers Advanced Manufacturing with Robotics and Automation training in collaboration with Insulet and MassHire Lowell Career Center. The goal of the program is to prepare Mass. job seekers for life sciences careers with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment and industry-relevant curriculum. MCC’s program also provides students with professional development and career training. This includes access to career counseling, resume review, interview preparation, tutoring and the college’s student support services.
In the most recent cohort, 13 Middlesex students completed the program. Upon graduating, they are prepared to sit for the Tooling U certification exam. This is MCC’s second training cohort to complete the program since partnering with the Mass Life Sciences Pathmaker Initiative, and fifth overall.
Over eight weeks, students received 120 hours of in-person learning and 30 hours of remote learning with Tooling U. Sessions discussed the most current industry topics, from lean manufacturing and industrial electricity to robotics and mechatronics.
“One of my favorite parts of the program was the hands-on work,” said Guy Bastien, an MCC Pathmaker Program graduate who spoke at the event. “I learned skills on how to operate a robotics rm, program a programmable logic controls, plus many other things. I was also able to help and guide the students on how to assemble and solder electronic components onto a printed circuit board. I really enjoyed this training program and I want to thank you all and everyone else involved.”
After completing the program, students received their Certified Manufacturing Associate credentials through Tooling U and OSHA-10 certification. They may be eligible to interview for positions at Insulet, visit a local advanced manufacturing facility, and network with hiring managers and alumni of the program.
The next session will run from Monday April 28 to Wednesday, June 18 on MCC’s Bedford campus. Each session takes place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
“The success of this program is a direct result of the strong partners involved,” said Katy Gentile, MCC’s Assistant Director of Corporate Education & Training. “Each partner plays a significant role: Insulet Corporation provides a tour of their facility, overview of open positions, onsite interviews and input into the course curriculum; MassHire Lowell Career Center provides recruitment, assessment, career readiness and counseling services; and finally, our MCC faculty and staff members manage the program and provide expert instruction in manufacturing, robotics and automation.”
Learn more about MCC’s Pathmaker Initiative or email Katy Gentile for more information.