Starting in April 2024, Middlesex Community College received a $1,012,438 grant from the Mass Life Sciences Center (MLSC) Pathmaker program. The funding assists in expanding the college’s Advanced Manufacturing with Robotics and Automation offerings through MCC’s Corporate Education and Training division.
“Creating sustainable jobs that will benefit our communities across the state has always been a key focus of our administration,” said Ashley Stolba, Interim Secretary of Economic Development, who serves as co-chair of the MLSC’s Board of Directors. “Through impactful initiatives such as the Pathmaker program, we will continue to strengthen Massachusetts’ position as the national leader of economic growth and development.”
“Massachusetts is a global hub of innovation dedicated to developing diverse talent to meet the needs of the life sciences industry,” said Lauren Jones, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration appreciates collaborating with MLSC Pathmaker grantees and partners to expand access to training, close workforce skills gaps, and create pathways for untapped talent to pursue rewarding careers in the life sciences across the Commonwealth.”
Since partnering with MLSC’s Pathmaker program in 2024, Middlesex has had three training cohorts complete the program, serving 31 students overall. The new round of funding will prepare 60 additional job seekers with the critical technical, mechanical and soft skills needed for high demand careers in the life sciences industry.
“Thank you to MLSC for their generous and continued support of our Advanced Manufacturing with Robotics and Automation program,” said Judy Burke, MCC’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Workforce Development. “We are also grateful to our industry partners – Insulet Corporation and MassHire Lowell Career Center – for helping us create innovative, hands-on experiences to prepare students through state-of-the-art equipment and industry-relevant curriculum. The collaboration is a win all around as students find stable employment and fill much needed roles in the Commonwealth’s workforce.”
Graduates of MCC’s program may be eligible to interview for positions at Insulet, visit a local advanced manufacturing facility, and network with hiring managers and program alumni. The program also provides students with professional development and career training. This includes access to career counseling, resume review, interview preparation, tutoring, the college’s student support services, and connections to career resources from MassHire Lowell.
Over eight weeks, MCC offers trainings in Advanced Manufacturing with Robotics and Automation. Students receive 120 hours of in-person learning and 30 hours of remote learning with Tooling U. Sessions discuss the most current industry topics, from lean manufacturing and industrial electricity to robotics and mechatronics. After completing the program, students received their Certified Manufacturing Associate credentials through Tooling U and OSHA-10 certification.
“This program could not happen without the support of MLSC and all partners involved,” said Katy Gentile, MCC’s Director of Corporate Education & Training. “Working together in unity and with a passion for helping people really helps to make our graduates successful. Our partner employer, Insulet Corporation and the staff working on this program with MCC, have been an integral part of the program’s success. The connection between MCC and the MassHire Lowell Career Center, is another reason this program succeeds. The students benefit from the support of the MCC faculty and staff, in addition to these phenomenal partners.”
The next session will take place in Fall 2025.
Learn more about MCC’s Pathmaker Initiative or email Gentile for more information.