Advanced Manufacturing Center
›› Finding A Second Chance In Conn.'s New Manufacturing Landscape plus (WSHU radio audio)
Corey Andrews
Corey became interested in the manufacturing industry and the AMC after doing some market research which indicated opportunities in manufacturing were on the rise. After completing the program, Corey states that he has learned more about the industry that he ever knew; including high-level skills working with varied tools and equipment utilized by the industry.
Corey's end result has been quite positive, making a lasting impact upon his life. He is currently employed at Wendon Corp. where is learning more about metrology while also being cross trained on manual and CNC machinery.
He would recommend the AMC program to family and friends, particularly because the instructors really work with you until you fully understand. I had no education in manufacturing before starting the program, but now I am well aware of machining techniques and principles of inspection and metrology.
Corey's current employer concurs; "we hired Corey over candidates with more experience, this speaks volumes regarding the education that was afforded this candidate in a relative short period of time. There B/P understanding was better than people with a lot more experience".
As Corey puts it, this is a good program if you are not certain of what you want to do in life and a looking for a lasting career.
Scott Carruthers
Scott is a U.S. Army veteran with a mechanical background and long-standing interest in manufacturing. Looking for a career change, he enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing Center where he enjoyed the learning experience. It was concise and presented in a way that was easily understandable.
Working for Bridgeport's Moore Tool Company, Scott's end result has landed me in a good job and greatly improved my life. Scott's enthusiasm is shared with every person I talk to, as a blueprint for a successful career. I recommend the AMC because it is a great opportunity for anyone to learn and grow as an individual.
Scott's employers add that…" Scott has some very good skills as far as machining and knowledge of the Haas controls. With more experience on the CNC machines he has great potential to become a very good operator. We purchased 4 new Haas machines and Scott was able to show our experienced operators some of the features of the newer controls". "Scott has a very good attitude to learn and is motivated to take on additional work and also help others with their work assignments".
Brandon Eisen
After spending a couple of years at a local university, Brandon decided that he enjoyed working with his hands and learned best from hands-on instruction. He enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing Center nine month certificate program where he "learned a lot about different approaches to making parts and figuring the best way to go about it".
"The program set me up with an education and job, both of which have had a positive impact upon my life". Earning grades sufficient for an internship, Brandon worked for Specialty Tool & Die in Milford, where he was hired following graduation. Thanks to his new job Brandon has been able to purchase a new vehicle and afford a good place to live.
His employer comments; "the skills Brandon brought with him as a graduate of the Advanced Manufacturing Center have proved to be an asset to Specialty Tool Company. He came to the Company with an overall understanding of the basic skills required to advance in the machining sector and applied them to his willingness to listen, learn and excel in the manufacturing field".
Brandon recommends the AMC as a "great program that teaches the basics of manufacturing and also sets you up with a great job".
Jesse Forth
After graduating high school, Jesse spent a year studying art while working in a local bakery. Deciding he needed a higher paying job with benefits, Jesse's interest turned to the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Housatonic Community College.
Instructors were great and the time in lab was extremely valuable he states, although wishing he had a bit more CNC instruction. Jesse claims… I walked out of the program with a great new career.
Now working full-time for Preferred Precision in Shelton, Jesse would absolutely recommend the program as means to starting a lifetime career. Should there be opportunities available for continued training at the Center; Jesse is interested in advancing his skills.
According to his employer; "Jesse is capable of keeping up with the machining process. He maintains the rate for production jobs and is being exposed to different machinery as well as how to set up jobs. He is retaining what is being asked of him and is asking questions that are spot-on for his skill level".
"Based upon the two AMC graduates Preferred has brought onto our team, we are very satisfied with the program so far. These graduates have a very good start for their careers".
Eric Goncalves
Eric needed a hands-on job, as he couldn't envision himself sitting at a desk all day. He loved the idea of "starting with a block of material and turning it into something useful". "The program gave me the tools I needed to enter the trade". Eric graduated with honors grades, landing an internship and eventually a full time job at Stevens Manufacturing…and he couldn't be happier.
He recommends the AMC, as it filled his day and provided the necessary skills to obtain a solid job with a great company. His employers have commended his attendance, punctuality and cooperative attitude. Eric has good hands and tremendous potential in the field. Given time and experience he will be an asset to the company.
Cullen S. Heun
After graduating high school Cullen worked as a quality control inspector, but felt his job was not very challenging. His older brother was in the Advanced Manufacturing Center's inaugural class and suggested Cullen should entertain the idea of becoming a machinist. Hoping to open up his future options Cullen became a Dean's List student throughout the program. Cullen's performance earned him an internship at Wendon Inc. in Stamford, where he works full-time today. When talking about the level of instruction he received Cullen states…
"I was more than happy with the instruction I was given every day. I go to work I gain respect from the guys around me because of the things I can do and know. I also have the chance to participate in the dying art of manual machining all day every day; no Digital Readout no auto-feed, just dials and trust me knowing where in the world you are on a 13" part with only a .200" dial is not easy but most of the students won't need to be able to do that in this day and age. With the things I have learned I am able to make my own tools see a tool someone has that I need and make it because I had a great set of instructors. As he puts it, I have a future and hope for it".
Cullen's employer states; "he is very cooperative, his attitude is positive, and he gets along well with his co-workers. Cullen is willing to learn new tasking as well as demonstrating his talents".
When asked if he would recommend the AMC to friends and family Cullen comments…
"I put about 5 students in next year's class, so yes. Why? I'm a patriot who believes in American Manufacturing".
Matt McGarry
Having experience in both the manufacturing and construction industries, Matt enrolled in the AMC to improve his manufacturing skill set and better his chances for job advancement. According to Matt, "I learned a great many techniques and skills that have helped in my new position". His end result was placement at Northeast Electronics, a strong company offering the prospect of a rewarding career. He recommends the program to anyone interested and suited for work in the manufacturing industry.
Matt's employer finds his job performance to be quite good. "Matt has not missed a day of work and has worked overtime when it has been necessary. Matt has a good attitude and is always open to suggestions". "Matt's skill level has been just what we were looking for; he has very good knowledge of CNC Programming and has put it to good use in our type of machining centers…" "Matt has been very dependable and with dependability comes job understanding and it makes his position very productive in this company. This area also relates his attendance, punctuality, cooperation and attitude it kind of goes hand in hand".
Carlos Mocete
Carlos was looking for a fresh start and a strong career. He was introduced to the AMC program through CT Works and was immediately interested in becoming a machinist. He was able to learn many differing facets of the industry; from skills necessary to operate varied equipment through metrology, Auto-CAD software and technical math.
Following an internship, Carlos graduated the program with enough skill and knowledge to work for a great company…Wendon Corp. He would recommend the program because it provides the knowledge needed for a successful career.
According to his employer…" we hired Carlos over candidates with more experience; this speaks volumes regarding the education that was afforded this candidate in a relative short period of time. There B/P understanding was better than people with a lot more experience".
Tom Moylan
Tom became interested in manufacturing when pursuing a career change, hoping to work for a company that he could grow with over the long term. He states that his teachers in the Advanced Manufacturing Center provided all necessary instruction and plenty of one- on- one help when needed or requested.
Now working for Moore Tool, Tom is excited to now be employed in the industry at a good company which allows me to start a new chapter in my life with a solid career. Tom's employer states; "Tom has been very cooperative with the many tasks we have given him and has handled himself very well. Tom worked in incoming inspection for a short period. Tom has a great attitude to learn and is motivated to take on additional work and also help others with their work assignments".
He would recommend the AMC program highly. I learned much of what I needed to know and got exactly what I wanted from it. As Moore Tool tells it…"Tom has good skills as far as machining and knowledge of the Haas controls. With more experience on the CNC machines he has great potential to become a very good operator".
Robert Oliver
A recent high school graduate, Rob describes himself as always hard-working. He joined the AMC after learning of the many job opportunities available in the manufacturing industry.
Rob describes his instruction in Advanced Manufacturing Center as excellent, stating that I felt as though I got more than I expected out of the program. His end result was a full-time position at PEP/Lacey Manufacturing, where his career ladder will allow him to climb high. He describes his instruction as having a positive impact upon his life, as it led him to become a successful machinist.
Rob's employer reports, "Robs skill level is consistent to his current position of CNC Technician in which he has displayed valuable knowledge needed to successfully run CNC machinery and produce quality products for PEP Lacey customers. His ability to identify non-conforming parts and react proficiently is a crucial part of his position which he will also take with him in every aspect of this trade. Rob is well adjusted to his current environment and is ready to take on more difficult assignments".
Chris Petronis
A few years ago, as work seemed to flag, Chris decided it was important to acquire a new skill set. Made in America is important to Chris and his family, therefore he enrolled in the AMC, learning to work at making things. Chris states "the program gave me everything I needed to get my foot in the door", adding "the internship also helped quite a bit".
His end result was to be fully employed by The Barden Corporation. Chris is proud of his accomplishment, as it has been "a real life-changer". He further comments that HCC went above and beyond his expectations for a quality educational program.
Chris's supervisors at Barden are glad to have him on board. His cooperation and attitude while at work has been outstanding". While working independently, "he keeps good communication between the day shift operator and himself". They feel given additional time and training Chris will be an invaluable asset to the company. As Pat McGrath put it…"send us more like him".
Tuan Thanh Vo
Tuan graduated high school with honors grades and continued to deliver strong performance in the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Housatonic Community College. Always a hard worker, held a part-time job in the food service industry while earning his certification. As he puts it, Tuan's interest in manufacturing is because I like to make stuff with my hands and enjoy working with CNC machinery. He would like to have even more advanced instruction on CNC programming and set-up when the Center is able to expand.
Tuan states that after completing an internship with a local company; I landed a full-time job at Preferred Precision…life is just getting better and better for me. He would definitely recommend the program as a pathway to a career for young people since the pay and benefits are very good.