MCC Upgrades Metrology Lab Facilities with Support of Federal Perkins Grant
MANCHESTER, Conn. (September 30, 2020) – Manchester Community College is updating equipment used in its manufacturing programs with funding received as part of a federal Perkins grant totaling nearly $240,000.
Funds from the grant will cover the cost to purchase and install tooling and software for the college’s metrology lab. For effective workforce training, upgrades to hands-on learning environments are vital because today’s advanced manufacturing sector is continually changing and increasing in technological sophistication. MCC courses are dedicated to hands-on learning in an environment that simulates the workplace, according to Tracy Ariel, director of precision manufacturing.
“The equipment enhances student attainment of nationally recognized industry credentials with the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), as well as helps ensure options for students interested in manufacturing careers or in pursuing further higher education in engineering and manufacturing fields,” she said.
The next cohort of the college’s 24-week precision manufacturing certificate program begins October 19. MCC’s precision manufacturing certificate is designed to provide students with a valuable skill set in just six months. Students who complete the program are qualified for an entry-level position as a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine operator. They also may earn both a non-credit and credit certificate and up to 30 credits that can be applied toward an associate in science degree in Technology Studies-Industrial Technology Option.
There will be an online information session Tuesday, October 6, from 4 to 5 p.m. to provide students with an opportunity to ask questions and get answers about the precision manufacturing certificate program. The free information session will be conducted by WebEx but there is no need to have the software, as registered attendees will be directed into an event template to start the session. For more information and to register, visit www.manchestercc.edu/info.
Connecticut’s manufacturing sector comprises businesses who convert raw materials, substances or components into new products, and jobs involve planning, managing and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products as well as related professional and technical support activities such as production planning and control, maintenance and manufacturing/process engineering, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor.
About the Perkins Grant
The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act was first authorized by the federal government in 1984. It was subsequently renewed and updated several times since then. It was most recently re-authorized in 2018, allocating $1.2 billion in federal support for career and technical education programs in all 50 states through 2024. The law – named for Carl D. Perkins, the late congressman from Kentucky who served from 1949 until his death in 1984 – is intended to increase the quality of technical education within the United States in order to help the economy.
