Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By G. Michael Dobbs Managing Editor SPRINGFIELD Area manufacturers said they could hire 300 people right now for tooling and machining positions, but the area does not have the trained workers they need. The Western Massachusetts Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association (WMNTMA) is doing something to build a workforce for tomorrow. Representatives told City Councilors William Foley and Patrick Markey last week the city can help their efforts by having equipment donated by local companies at Putnam Vocational Technical High School wired so it can be used in the school's new machine Tool Technology Program. WMNTMA members collaborated with the high school to create a program to train workers for the precision tooling and precision machining field an industry that is successful in the area. The program is funded through state grants and donations from the private sector, but the program has been hampered by the delay in installation of the equipment. Although WMNTMA members have been willing to send over their own electricians to connect the machinery, liability concerns have prevented that from happening. The councilors pledged they would do what they can to speed up the process to ensure the success of the program. David Cruise of the Regional Employment Board said the group had come before the Council last January with a group of proposals to strengthen the manufacturing sector and all of those initiatives were implemented. Among those programs: Representatives from the WMNTMA visited six Springfield middle schools in October and presented a hands-on education and career information program to 425 eighth grade students. The group worked with Springfield Technical Community College to establish a new certificate program and internship program for students interested in entering the field. They worked with the Massachusetts Career Development Institute to open the Machine Tool Technology program on Jan. 15. Edward Leyden, president of Ben Franklin Design and Manufacturing in Agawam, said one of the misconceptions his industry faces is the idea that manufacturing is dead in the Pioneer Valley. He said the large manufacturing operations may have left, but smaller companies have replaced them. Leyden added those small companies are doing precision work that overseas companies in China or India cannot do. Local firms must turn away work because they lack the number of people needed, Leyden said. In order for the companies to grow there must be a skilled workforce, which is why WMNTMA have been helping to create programs that would train future employees. John Mitchell of Mitchell machine, Inc. of Springfield, said the local workforce is great, but is getting older. The average age of a precision machinist is 52 in the area, Leyden said. Within five to 10 years, a skilled machinist could make between $50,000 and $70,000, he added. J.M. "Buck" Upson of Pioneer Tool Supply Co, Inc, of West Springfield, explained the continued education of his employees to improve their skills is so important that and he and other employers underwrite college and technical school classes. For more information and for job postings, log onto www.WMNTMA.org. |