Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center at NVCC Welcomes Record Number of Women to the Class of 2018

Pictured: Pasha Busbee setting up to run a Bridgeport milling machine.

Manufacturing in Connecticut is on the rise and all indications point to a resurgence of manufacturing jobs. In order to meet the workforce needs of companies like Electric Boat, Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky Aircraft and EDAC Technologies, as well as hundreds of other small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, over the next ten years, a skilled work force must be created and maintained. The Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (AMTC) at Naugatuck Valley Community College is rising to the challenge with relevant curriculum, and workforce-ready programs.

On Tuesday, August 29, the Center welcomed the class of 2018, marking its sixth year of operation. The class includes eight female students which is a record number for the AMTC Program. NVCC’s President, Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. and Provost James Troup, each addressed the class, welcoming them to NVCC. Additionally, Dr. De Filippis challenged each student to strive for the “President’s Award,” an award program she introduced six years ago, which offers exceptional students the opportunity to earn additional certifications and specialized training.

From left: Pasha Busbee, Hailey Cable, Jamilia Zekaroui, Sara Langevin , Samantha Paecht, Hasnaa Agday and Isabella Prince (kneeling). Missing from the photo is Alessandra Olesen.

AMTC Program Director, Joe DeFeo, gave a brief overview of the program, and inspired them with stories of graduate success coupled with the program’ s 100% job placement rate for students who complete the one year advanced manufacturing certificate program. Over 200 graduates of the AMTC program have been successfully placed in manufacturing positions to date!