Tunxis Community College has partnered with EDAC Technologies of Cheshire to offer an Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology Certificate which provides machine operator training and responds to Connecticut manufacturer demand for a workforce with advanced skills.

“Tunxis is very pleased and excited to team with EDAC in addressing a critical workforce need,” said David England, Ed.D., Tunxis dean of institutional outreach and effectiveness. “As we all know, the manufacturing industry is facing a shortage of skilled workers, and this program is designed to help address that demand and be a catalyst for economic development in the state.”

“The Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology Program has strategic importance to EDAC,” said Mark McDonald, president and CEO of EDAC. “Our forecasted business growth, driven by strong customer demand, requires the continued development of manufacturing resources and skillsets. This program will provide the vehicle to address that demand as well as supporting economic growth in Connecticut.”

Accredited by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), the Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program will start in January and includes classroom instruction and hands-on shop floor training at EDAC. Instruction will provide skills in Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machining, tool making, programming inspection, and other areas, and will be delivered at an accelerated pace which enables students to complete the program’s one-year curriculum in about six months.

After the initial six months of training, EDAC will offer six-month paid internships to selected students, followed by two-year company sponsored apprenticeships. During this period students can choose from a number of specialty areas and work at EDAC’s Farmington, Cheshire or Newington sites. All graduates of the program will be qualified for entry-level manufacturing positions, with starting salaries around $40,000 a year.

Credits from the certificate can be applied to an associate degree in Technology Studies: Machine Technology. Those who successfully complete the associate degree will be guaranteed admission to Central Connecticut State University’s School of Technology or Charter Oak State College, where students can earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, industrial technology or technology education.

To apply, please contact Victor Mitchell, director of Business & Industry Services at Tunxis, at 860.314.4700 or [email protected]. One of the application requirements includes the completion of a standard intake process at EDAC. Financial aid and payment plans are available for those students who qualify.

From technology, business and health to liberal arts & sciences programs, Tunxis Community College offers over 60 associate’s degrees and certificates, providing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare students for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and employment in areas with industry need. Tunxis is located at the junction of Routes 6 and 177 in Farmington. For more information on programs at Tunxis, call 860.255.3500, or visit tunxis.edu.

EDAC Technologies is a world leader in the manufacture and repair of metallic and composite aircraft engine components. EDAC’s additional services include machine tool support, electron beam welding and the design and manufacture of high-precision molds, fixtures, gauges, and dies for a wide range of applications. EDAC operates 10 facilities, with locations in the United States and Mexico. For more information on EDAC, visit www.edactechnologies.com.