Career and Technical Advisory Boards

Over the past several months technical advisory boards cross the state have been meeting to review current programming and planning for the future. There are many exciting activities to report.

Newport, Claremont and Sugar River Valley College have been working to merge all of the technical advisory boards. We applaud these efforts. Whereas the world is becoming smaller and available time is reducing almost daily for some, the sharing of information and activities will help lean the process of meetings. John Doherty, Director of Newport's Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center is looking to implement the Career Safe program. This is an OSHA safety program which would be of great benefit not just for student safety but would bring a benefit to the employer! Newport's Technical Center offers, Project Lead the Way (Pre-Engineering), Welding, CAD and metal working classes. Claremont's Technical Center offers Machine Tool and soon will be offering Project Lead the Way. Both centers are hard at work to offer internships and job shadow experiences to enhance the existing and future programs.

The Milford and Nashua Regional Advisory Board met at Nashua High School last month to do a program review. This review included visiting the CAD, Project Lead the Way classroom and the Machine Shop. All attendees were very impressed with they saw. Students from all three programs are interacting between the classrooms providing a much larger awareness then most expected. Ed Panessiti, the machine shop instructor provided samples of the student's projects and his future game plan for the students. Lenny Harrison provided a demonstration in the CAD room of their prototype machine and some of the projects his students have completed. One of the long term plans for Nashua High School is to develop quick start outlines for internships and job shadow programs. Meanwhile, Milford High School & Applied Technology Center presented their wish list to the school board. There is hope that some CNC equipment could purchased. Although it is not out of question, the committee does hope that someway the money can be found to help update some the equipment in the shop.

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Nashua's Machine Tool Program Visits
Air National Guard!

Nashua High School's Machine Tool Class visited the Air National Guard, (ANG) at Pease to see the operations and learn about team work, problem solving, along with learning to be apart of the solution on the fly. ANG put on a serious tour for the students. The students were climbing all over the plane for almost an hour! One of the highlights of the tour was learning the lead supervisor of the machine shop was a grad from Nashua High School 's machine shop program! To say the students were impressed was an understatement!

Later, we visited with the students before they left for the summer. When we asked the students what they would like to do next year aside from their class room instruction the responses were very different however interesting! Most want to get out more into industry. They want to see, touch and learn. The class is really an outstanding group of students, and they clearly demonstrated their interested and desire to be successful on their tour of the Air National Guard!

First one the list of to do's for the students was to see more facilities. They are really learning how different each operation is and are thinking of options for careers.

Second on the list were internships and more job shadow access! We will be working with the school over the summer into the fall to try and organize a detailed listing of opportunities for the students to participate in upon their return to school. It was interesting to hear their comments where they are connecting the processes that they are learning in the class room to what they have already seen from their previous activities!

Stay tuned for more details and opportunities for the students to come visit your facility. If you would like more information you are more than welcomed to contact Sally Monroe at (603) 880 0115 or at sallyn@nhmachine.org

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Nashua Technology Students Sweep in NH SKILLsUSA Precision Machining Competition

Submitted By: Marcie Ouellette

Brian Meehan, Eric Engelhart, and Alex Pelkey swept this years NH SKILLS USA program. The Nashua Technology Center students were awarded top honors at the NH SKILLS Award Ceremony at Dover High School. Participation in this program helps students to build and reinforce self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills complementary to what they have learned in the classroom. Brian, Eric, and Alex credit their success to partnerships between the Center's technical areas of education.

Meehan, the first place winner in the contest and a senior student in both the Machining Technology and Pre-Engineering programs, shared that his exploration and education in these areas improved his skill level in competition. "Having participated in the FIRST Robotics competition and work through the time constraints of that competition really helped me with both the written and technical portions of the SKILLS contest", Meehan shared. Through his involvement in both academic programs, Meehan was able to incorporate the theories he had learned from instruction and competition and apply them to the challenges he faced in the NH SKILLS contest. Meehan, who is heading to the US Air Force Academy after graduation this year, has earned the opportunity to attend the annual national-level SkillsUSA Championship in Kansas City, MO held in June where over 5,000 students will compete in 91 occupational and leadership skill areas.

Juniors Alex Engelhart and Eric Engelhart - the second and third place finishers respectively - also agree that the exposure to various areas of technical education has enhanced their skill levels and also recognize the advantage it will provide them in later years when they enter the workforce. As a result of the educational experience each has had at Nashua, both plan to attend four-year colleges that will provide the same balance between theory and hands-on applications.

The Nashua Technology Center offers nineteen Career and Technical Education programs allowing students to immerse themselves in a career field through a two-year educational experience. Hands-on learning provides students real-world experiences through the application of the academic and technical skills learned in their high school courses. Complementarily, many of Nashua Technology Center's programs provide work-based learning opportunities where students can apply the skills that they have learned, as well as the opportunity to participate in student organizations specific to their career or technical education areas.

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We recognize that the current marketplace has been a huge challenge for many of our members. We also hear the concerns that many members have about when the market returns and the question still remains "What will we do to locate qualified help?" We have spent a great deal of time with the technical education centers throughout the state over the past month. Our message to the students is that although the marketplace maybe not be the best, when it returns we as an industry will have a greater need for highly trained and qualified help in a wide array of positions. We are thrilled to report that the schools have being doing some very creative activities to engage more students each year! There are several new instructors that have come on board over the last year or two and in the coming months we will be introducing all the instructors and the programs to you, our members.

We will be launching a new "What is a Machinist?" page on the website that will help identify to those considering a career path in the industry the many jobs that will be out there. This new webpage will demonstrate the career path a person can take from an entry level machine operator to the most advance machinist in the industry. We will discuss the estimated years it will take to become competent and proficient to master each position and will also highlight the need for a higher education. The new page will help those who are seeking career changes to be aware of the real requirements of the jobs.

While we are busy with the schools and our website we have not forgotten to communicate with our State officials. We continuously share our industry's message with State officials and agency heads. In order to continue growth in New Hampshire's industry, now more than ever we must make sure that OUR message is not lost. We have been working to ensure they understand how long it takes to mature a machinist vs. an operator. Additionally we have been talking about long-term training needs and all of the costs that are required for our members to run successful companies. We are highlighting the expense of each new-hire on an operation along with the additional hidden costs of the mentor or highly qualified supervisor that over sees the training process. Those costs must include the lost production time that happens whenever the highly trained supervisor is working directly with the new hire; and the added expense of someone else picking up the additional work load during the training time.

State officials are responding to our message and working to help increase the partnerships, resources, and bridge some gaps between all of the educational programs and the Employment Securities Divisions. They have been very supportive of our organization and are really listening to our concerns. It is true they may not have all the answers but they are more than willing to help find the solutions in partnerships.

Work has been ongoing in preparation for the 2009 NH SkillsUSA Precision Machining Competition, along with the Automated Manufacturing and Robotics Competitions. Mark Dodge, and his crack team of professors at Nashua Community College, have been hard at work developing a competition which will challenge the students. A few weeks ago the "Welcome CD" was sent to the schools. Included in the CD is a overall review of what the day's schedule will be and a general review of the competition content for this year. We have had several first place winners from Nashua High School, Milford and Mount Washington Technical Center, (Conway). Several of the schools are already hard at work practicing their skills in the lab and additionally testing their knowledge!

There are over 30 competitions that are coordinated to go off across the State of New Hampshire. At the Nashua Community College campus there will be Precision Machining, Leadership, and Automotive Technology competitions. Leadership and Automotive Technology competitions actually have multiple competitions! Between those competitions the campus expects to host over 100 students. On the Manchester Community College campus there will be all technical drafting, electrical, carpentry and welding competitions. Intelitek will host the Automated Manufacturing and robotics competitions. Southern New Hampshire College will host all Culinary Competitions which are actually the largest competitions in the state! Also, there are several other competitions that take place across the state - at specific schools and businesses - because they are the only sponsors with the required equipment and available donated space!

NH SkillsUSA is the largest Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO), in the State of New Hampshire. This organization is a great way for students to best prepare themselves for the real world and have a greater success rate after high school. So mark those calendars, (March 20th, 2009) and schedule some time to come view the competition! We welcome and urge all NHMA members to come visit the practical part of the competition. The best time to come view would be after 1 pm until 3 pm. We are collecting donations for the activity and any amount will help support the students who participate. If you are interested in making a donation please feel free to download the file loadhere!

Future employment opportunities for skilled Operators and Technicians in the seacoast area in the advanced manufacturing and machine tool industry are expected to grow on the upswing of the economy. These jobs pay between $12.55 and $17.97 per hour. Are you looking for a new career path or know someone who is? Why not consider getting some training now so when the market returns you will be prepared? Think about the possibilities of improving your marketability!

Employers now is the time more than ever to start some incumbent training programs. Your employees can improve their skills while you can take advantage of the NH Job Training Fund!

This course offers an introduction to world of machining. It includes accident prevention, basic metallurgical properties, and the development of knowledge and competency in the safe utilization, set-up, operation and maintenance of machine tools. Topics that will be covered include hand tools, portable power tools, measuring instruments, drilling machines, lathes, milling machines and grinding machines, as well as the use of lubricants and coolants. In addition, class participants will also be introduced to CNC lathe and milling machines.

This course will be delivered at the Richard W. Creteau Technology Center in Rochester, NH on state-of-the-art equipment similar to that used at most job sites. The student will be prepared for an entry level position as an Operator and/or Technician. The most up-to-date techniques and processes are the focus with an emphasis on safety requirements and regulations. The 60 hour certificate program includes all books, materials and lab fees.Cost for program is $1200.00 per student.

To register for class or if you have questions please contact, Christopher Lawrence at 559-1576 or via email at clawrence@ccsnh.edu

John Doherty, Director of the Newport Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center has formed an advisory board to support the Advanced Manufacturing Programming. The Newport facility offers welding, CADD and Engineering programs. You maybe surprised to learn they actually have a Plasma CAM CNC Cutting Machine on site! Due to the fact many of the board members may already be involved with Claremont's Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center and the River Valley Community College, (New Hampshire Community College-Claremont) it is expected that all of the boards will merge into one larger board. The whole idea of merging the boards makes perfect sense when you stop and think about it. There are two high school technical centers offering related manufacturing programs that with everyone hopes will graduate students who will attend the community college. By merging these advisory boards they will be able to develop a seamless communication concerning the curriculum on both the high school and college levels, which in turn will set students up for greater success! We will be glad to keep you updated as events unfold. To learn more about Sugar River Valley Regional Techincal Center, please visit their website! http://www.newport.k12.nh.us/Schools/index.htm

October has been a busy month for the NHMA. We have been busy working with state agencies to assist in mainstreaming the information that is out there regarding training programs, job training grants, new educational initiatives, and the NH Job Corps. We have given some helpful suggestions regarding mainstreaming this process of State communications to you, our members, and the industry in general. We understand that our members are busy minding their businesses and therefore have little spare time to weed through excessive information, calls and emails. We want to assist in focusing the message so that it is clear and definitive was what activities are going on each month and their benefits to you.

We have also spoken with many of our working partners to join us in this effort and the response has been great. In the near future we will be updating our working partners page and State resource page so that our members and even the general public can locate information with greater ease.

Speaking of working partners, we just recently met with SME to discuss the sharing of resources, and information for the benefit of all our members. During this time of economic twist and turns perhaps the most important action we can take is sharing information, resources for the benefit of the Precision Machining and Advanced Manufacturing Community.As we formulate this process we will be glad to share the information via broadcast emails on a monthly basis.

The New Hampshire Machining Association had a busy summer! We have some good news to report as well. The phones have been ringing with people who are looking to get into the business! In general people are looking for training and for their first job in the world of machining and advanced manufacturing. There were several articles of interest this summer in The Union Leader, The Eagle Times, and Manchester Express regarding the extreme need not just for machinists, but for all kinds of manufacturing positions. The message seems to be getting across. One Sunday morning on Fred Koker's Business NH spot seen on WMUR, he had Michael Powers, Director of the Workforce Opportunity Council discussing the huge need for technicians, operators, and machinists, in our industry! The message that manufacturing and precision machining is alive in our state does seem to be getting across! The value that our sector brings to the NH economy is enormous and the need is immense for qualified help.

In addition to the great press, Congresswoman Carol Shea Porter visited with Intelitek to learn about the training program taking place at their facility in partnership with Workforce Training Resources. During her visit we had a moment to discuss with her the common need for qualified help to support our continued growth.

More recently we were able to meet with Congressman Paul Hodes at Latva Machine. The congressman was able to see first hand the immediate need for qualified help. Mitch Latva, our current chair was able to demonstrate on his production floor the complex work that is being done not just at his facility but across the state of New Hampshire. Mitch also spoke about his direct contracting to the Department of Defense which is also representative of many of our members' production. Mitch's message was if we are unable to secure a qualified workforce not just the state economy will be at risk, but most likely national defense will be affected in the long run.

During the recent discussion with our congressional representatives and those individuals from the state government the message has been clear. Our industry is alive and well here in the state of New Hampshire. However it is a critical turning point in many ways. We will no longer be able to maintain or even consider growth with the following hurdles in our way.

1. We have an enormous workforce development problem
2. We are battling overhead costs which includes constant training expenses
3. Managing our supplier chains and costs

We will be keeping you informed of any developments that come from our meetings this summer.

We have been working with our training partners - and their trainees - to bring the classroom to the shop floor utilizing our Manufacturing & Machine Shop Road Tour Series.

The trainees of the Advanced Technician Training Program in Newport concluded their road tour series. Each day the trainees visited with different members to learn about their operations from the sales department to shipping the finished goods.

The trainees visited with Latva Machine, Optimum Manufacturing, NHCTC Claremont, Labsphere, Sturm Ruger, and AF Gloenco. The tours were comprehensive and demonstrated the flow-through of a booked order and the need to understand the relationships and demands between departments in order to achieve success. The trainees learned about the types of positions in the companies, what the job functions were, qualifications of the employees in specific jobs, and especially the need to continue their education and training throughout their careers.

The same road tour series will continue with the trainees who are participating in the current class being held in Manchester at intelitek. This road tour series is a great opportunity for our members to become involved with the next generation of machine operators and technicians. It affords the tour site the opportunity to see what is going on with current training programs and possibly recruit from these sources.

The program is positioned to greatly expand at the present time. We are finding very highly motivated individuals who want to become machinists. Our greatest problem is sourcing host sites. We believe in today's marketplace we are all challenged with time and resources. We also completely understand that frequently there just is not enough time in the day. At present we have several wonderful candidates that we are trying to place. They may be very green but they are really enthusiastic to learn. When you think about it - haven't we all been there when starting out for the first time! Two candidates have completed the Operator Training Program and have the desire to grow in the industry to become machinists. This is the first time in MechTech's history that we have so many outstanding candidates waiting for homes.If you are interested in taking on a MechTech Apprentice please contact Sally Monroe.

The Regional Advisory Board for Milford and Nashua met to discuss the future plans of Milford High School. Milford's Lab opened 10 years ago. Time has flown by and the needs of the industry are being taken into consideration regarding the future plans of the lab. An assessment was done to determine the future needs of the community. This is a fantastic opportunity to become connected with Milford if you are located in the immediate area and want a real say in how your future workers are educated!

The advisory board always welcomes new members, so if you are interested please contact Paul Bois. Paul maybe contacted via email at pbois@SAU40.com

Last month the Regional Advisory Board for the Precision Machining Technologies at Milford met and finalized their recommendations for future equipment purchases based on the projected needs of the community. Those recommendations have been forwarded to the school board for review. This process will take some time and Rosie Deloge, Technical Center Director would like to thank the Technical Advisory Committee members for the time and effort.Stay tune as this activity progresses.

The International Trade Resource Center,(ITRC), in partnership with the SBDC, will be traveling throughout New Hampshire to offer a series of free seminars aimed at introducing New Hampshire businesses to the world of exporting. These seminars are part of an overall effort to ensure that businesses have access to the many free resources available to them. Highlights of the road show include New Hampshire's worldwide export activities, resources available to New Hampshire companies, trends and opportunities in the global economy, as well as Export Achievement awards to companies that have demonstrated exceptional success in exporting. The road show also features New Hampshire companies that will share their experiences in having successfully exported their products overseas. The road show's first stop was in Littleton on October 1 and will now move on to Keene (October 9) and Lebanon (October 15). At the road show in Littleton, the Governor's Export Achievement Award was presented to New England Wire Technologies. Communities that are interested in having this event in their areas are encouraged to contact the ITRC (603)334-6074 and speak with Kathryn Lee.

Our program graduates have learned the fundamental skills necessary for a successful career in manufacturing. They are ready to enter the workplace and have demonstrated their commitment to the industry.

Our training is delivered through a blended approach utilizing intelitek's LearnMate training programs, a unique interactive virtual e-learning experience linked with hands-on training. With the use of industrial-grade equipment and online content, instructors lead the trainees through a series of entry level technical and job related academic skills. Our training begins with basic mathematics and continues through trigonometry as it would be applied in a manufacturing environment. Our class learns the basics of blueprint reading, hand and power tools, mechanical fasteners, lubrication, and 5S. Our trainees progress to CAD/CAM/CNC where they learn the fundamentals of machine tool operation and G&M programming. All facets of precision measurement and quality control are taught using a variety of precision measuring devices and the analysis of the collected data with SPC application software. Our students manufacture several projects using both hand/power tools and CNC machines. Our students also learn the fundamentals of robotics, automation, pneumatics, hydraulics, and electrical systems. Shop safety and Lock Out -Tag procedures are covered in every unit of study.

CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today announced the start of an advanced manufacturing training program, which will provide 150 displaced workers with an accelerated apprenticeship program and guaranteed jobs in two New Hampshire-based advanced manufacturing companies.

The STAR (Skills Through Apprenticeship and Retraining) program is being founded through a $1.8 million grant awarded to the state from the U.S. Department of Labor.

"Providing advanced training for our workers is one of the best investments we can make in our economy. This program will get displaced workers the skills they need to get good jobs at two of New Hampshire's advanced manufacturing leaders," Gov. Lynch said. "We have made offering additional job training to our workers a priority and this new program will enhance our continuing efforts."

The program offers workers an accelerated, two-year advanced manufacturing apprenticeship while being employed Hypertherm, Inc., of Hanover, or Timken, Inc. of Lebanon. At the same time, these workers will earn college credits from River Valley Community College on Claremont, which can be applied towards an associate's degree.

The workers will also have the opportunity to receive three additional nationally recognized industry certifications.

"River Valley Community College is committed to the creation of education and training that serve the needs of employers, the New Hampshire workforce and the economic development needs of the state and our region. This partnership represents a strategy that builds upon the strengths of the college, our state economic development agencies and the private sector in delivering a truly comprehensive program leading to job placement," said Steve Budd, President, River Valley Community College.

The program is open to workers from New Hampshire and Vermont.

"We are fortunate to have the challenge of expanding our workforce needs to meet growing demand for our products. How well we meet this challenge will be determined by how well we can hire and educate a trained workforce," said Jim Miller, Hypertherm's Business Team Leader for the Mechanized Torch and Consumables Division. "New Hampshire's desire and commitment to recruit and educate CNC machine operators meets a critical need of the Upper Valley business community."

"Timken Aerospace is experiencing tremendous long-term business growth opportunities," said Shaun Branon, Manager of Organizational Advancement for Timken Aerospace. "This program will allow both New Hampshire and Vermont dislocated workers access not only to advanced manufacturing jobs, but also to the benefits of world class education and mentoring during a two year apprenticeship."

"STAR will offer dislocated workers in the North Country and the Upper Valley, as well as other areas of the State, an opportunity for a good job, a good education and national certification in advanced manufacturing," said Dick Anagnost, Chairman of the Workforce Opportunity Council.

"Having skilled and trained workers is very often the determining factor between business success and business failure," said New Hampshire Department of Resources & Economic Development Commissioner George Bald. "This innovative program not only provides dislocated workers with the training they need to develop a solid career track, it also adds to the productivity of the companies who are taking advantage of this great initiative."

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  Reference Information

Business Resource Center (DRED):
NH Department of Resources and Economic Development
Contact:Chris Way
Telephone:603-271-2341

To contact Chris Way, Program Manager by e-mail
cway@dred.state.nh.us
www.nheconomy.org

River Valley Community College- Formally NHCTC Claremont
Contact:Jim Britton
Telephone: 603-542-7744
www.claremont.nhctc.edu

Nashua Community College- Formally NHCTC Nashua Campus
Contact:Mark Dodge
Telephone: 603-882-6923
www.nashuacc.edu

New Hampshire Machining Association
Board of Directors www.nhmachine.org

New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NHMEP)
Telephone:603-226-3200
http://www.nhmep.org

New Hampshire Procurement Technical Assistance Program
NHPTAP
Contact:David Pease
Telephone: 603-271-7581
To contact Dave Pease, Program Manager by e-mail
dpease@dred.state.nh.us
www.nheconomy.com/ptac

Sentry Insurance
Bill Ives - 603-401-7475
www.sentry.com

Tool and Technology Resource Center
Contact:Chris Arnold
Telephone:603-863-8771
cja.ttrc@comcast.net