Middlesex Community College: MCC's Partnership With CMT Leads To New Job For Student

Press release from the Middlesex Community College:

Caitlin Buckley

8/30/2021

Elie Abou Antoun wanted to get into the manufacturing technology industry after coming to the United States from Lebanon. He participated in the TRAIN Grant held by Middlesex Community College’s Corporate Education and Training division. At the end of the training, Antoun believes he was provided with a “solid foundation for any job that involves manufacturing as a whole,” as well as a new job.

Partnering with the Center for Manufacturing Technology (CMT) in Woburn and the MassHire Lowell Career Center, Middlesex offers manufacturing skills training with funding they received from the TRAIN grant. MCC’s Corporate Ed. provided unemployed adult learners with academic coursework and career readiness either in classes at Middlesex, online or at CMT.

Although there was a rise in unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still industries hiring. The TRAIN grant training addresses “the skilled labor shortage in advanced manufacturing throughout Massachusetts,” according to Joanna Dowling, Director of CMT.

“The need for machine operators, instructors, inspectors, CNC (computer numerical controlled) machinists and programmers is growing each year,” Dowling said. “We were fortunate that we were able to hire a student from this program and also place graduates in area manufacturing facilities to help address the labor shortage.”

For Antoun and one other student who completed the grant-funded program, this led to “extensive training” in a new field and long-term stability. Antoun credits MCC’s “well-structured” training for helping him get employment by providing him knowledge of machining best practices and safety, and hands-on experiences.

“MCC helped a lot in getting this job since by taking this class I got the chance to be hired by CMT,” he said. “By enrolling in professional development programs, students increase their chances of getting hired or advancing in their careers.”

Throughout the grant that Middlesex prepared and implemented, students learned valuable skills relevant to jobs, were matched with jobs based on their interests, and received job-searching preparation, such as interview practice and resume building, according to Lisa Tuzzolo, MCC’s Director of Corporate Education and Training.

When building partnerships with companies and organizations across Massachusetts, MCC’s Corporate Ed. seeks to understand the needs of the specific business, industry and employees, then designs trainings and programs to respond. This allows MCC to not only prepare students for the workforce, but to get them jobs.

“We are thrilled to have been involved in a training grant that prepared students to confidently enter the workforce,” Tuzzolo said. “By preparing them with the skills necessary for successful employment in well-paying positions, they will be in a better position to support themselves and their families, and open the door to a bright future.”

As a leader of professional development and workforce training for over 30 years, MCC’s Corporate Education and Training program provides employees with the knowledge and skills they need to start or advance in their careers. Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/bus_ind/ or contact Teresa Medina at medinat@middlesex.mass.edu for more information.

With affordable pricing, flexible course options and award-winning support services and resources, Middlesex gets students on track to reach their goals. The Fall 2021 semester starts on Thursday, September 9. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 to register for classes.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!

This press release was produced by the Middlesex Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.