A ribbon cutting ceremony was recently held to launch the new Connecticut State Community College (CT State) Naugatuck Valley Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU).
Naugatuck Valley's Danbury Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center program, a two-semester certificate program, prepares individuals for hands-on positions in the manufacturing sector. Students earn a total of 31 credits, which can be applied to engineering technology or technology studies associate degree programs.
The first class of 12 students will graduate from the evening program in May 2022. These students began the program in August and moved into the new facility in January. As the program grows, day and weekend classes are planned for a potential of up to 72 graduates per year. Each student can earn an OSHA 10 Certificate and National Institute for Metal Working Skills nationally recognized credential in two semesters.
The new 3,000 sq. ft. Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center is an advanced manufacturing shop and classroom featuring state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Equipment includes a Hurco VM-10i CNC milling machine and TM-6i CNC lathe (purchased from Hurco distributor Brooks Associates in Norwell, MA).
Hurco's proprietary control allows programming in conversational and conventional G-code, and Hurco's Verifications Graphics supports both G-code and conversational programs. Graphics allows students and instructors to see a solid model and tool path before running the program. This eliminates programming errors and potential crashing of tools into the workpiece.
To facilitate classroom instruction, Hurco Inc. donated $111,800 worth of programming simulators for the educational institution. Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) has 26 seats of Hurco WinMax mill and lathe programming software for students to use. The Hurco WinMax touchscreen is compatible with interactive smart boards, allowing instructors to emulate computer screens in the classroom.
Currently, 21 greater Danbury-based manufacturing companies are partnering with Naugatuck Valley's Danbury and Waterbury Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center programs, where students are placed in internships. Approximately 95% of graduates are placed in full-time jobs.
"Advanced manufacturing is a major component of Connecticut's economic future, and by supporting the growth of this sector, we are sending a signal to these cutting-edge companies that this is the place to be if they want to grow and flourish," said Gov. Ned Lamont. "Connecticut's strong network of higher education institutions provides a great, cost-effective way for those who live here to obtain the skills that can lead to a rewarding career. This new advanced manufacturing technology center in Danbury will be uniquely positioned to contribute to our workforce pipeline."
To learn more about NVCC's Advanced Manufacturing program, go to nv.edu/Academics/Academic-Programs/Areas-of-Study/Advanced-Manufacturing-Machine-Technology#cdn-5213.
To learn more about Connecticut's advanced manufacturing technology centers, visit ct.edu/makeithere.
For more information contact:
Naugatuck Valley Community College
190 White Street
Danbury, CT 06810
203-437-9699
www.nv.edu
Hurco Companies, Inc.
One Technology Way
P.O. Box 68180
Indianapolis, IN 46268
800-634-2416
info@hurco.com
www.hurco.com
ME, VT, NH, CT, MA, RI,
NY (NYC & Long Island)
Brooks Associates, Inc.
300 Longwater Dr., Unit A
Norwell, MA 02061
800-458-6607
781-871-3400
sales@brooksmachinery.com
www.brooksmachinery.com