Another NH manufacturer is finding value in upskilling its workforce with support from NH’s community colleges. Spraying Systems Co., a Merrimack-based advanced manufacturer, recently partnered with Nashua Community College (NCC) and the Community College System of New Hampshire’s ApprenticeshipNH – a program that seeks to address workforce needs in various sectors throughout the state by developing registered apprenticeship programs that include focused education and hands-on training at the worksite.
The new partnership will enable Spraying Systems employees to gain new skills and access opportunities to pursue more advanced, high-skill careers within the manufacturing industry. In launching this new apprenticeship program, Spraying Systems joins a contingent of manufacturers in the region including Amphenol Printed Circuits, Wire Belt Company of America, and Granite State Manufacturing, who are taking advantage of the opportunity to upskill its workforce.
An opportunity to invest in the company’s workforce
“Our new partnership with ApprenticeshipNH and Nashua Community College is an opportunity for us to provide our employees with the skills they need to begin a new career in manufacturing,” said Joe Ruelas, vice president of operations at Spraying Systems Co. “In order to meet the demands of our growing business, we need to ensure that we have the necessary skilled talent on board. Developing an apprenticeship program was a creative way for us to respond to this challenge and to leverage the expertise of our local community college.”
The program relies on existing classes from Nashua Community College
The new Registered Apprenticeship program at Spraying Systems Co. will train the company’s existing employees to become CNC operators. During the program, apprentices will take classes for credit at Nashua Community College. The program consists of:
- 8,000 hours (4 years) of on-the-job training
- 1,000 hours of classroom instruction
Upon completion of the program apprentices will earn a Machine Tool Technology CNC Programming Certificate from Nashua Community College. Apprentices may also choose to pursue additional education by applying credits earned toward an Associate Degree at the college.
“All of the apprentices in this program will receive college credit that goes directly to the certificate or degree option they select,” said Emily Zeien, grant manager for ApprenticeshipNH. “Aside from offering advanced career options, this helps participants work towards receiving a certificate or a degree that can enable them to continue to build and advance in their careers.”
About Spraying Systems Co.
Founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1937, Spraying Systems Co. has manufacturing plants in twelve locations including Merrimack, and more than 90 sales offices around the world. Spraying Systems Co. is a global manufacturer of a wide range of spray nozzles, spray injectors/headers and automated spray controllers/systems. The services they provide include spray research, performance testing and advanced modeling. The company serves many markets including chemical/petrochemical, food, paper, and the pharmaceutical industry. For more information, please visit: spray.com
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To learn more about the ApprenticeshipNH program, including additional information on how your business can get involved, please click here.
