Mount Wachusett manufacturing program recognized

PHOTO/COURTESY Mount Wachusett Community College was awarded as a result of its manufacturing programs.

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By Sam Bonacci

The Mount Wachusett Community College Advanced Manufacturing Program has been recognized for linking the community, businesses and education in the North Central Massachusetts region.

The college received the Boston Foundation's Deval Patrick Award for Community Colleges. The award, which was first given out in 2014, recognizes progress and excellence in establishing partnerships between employers and community colleges that build effective career pathways for students. The annual $50,000 award is given to a community college selected by a volunteer committee of representatives from the higher education, workforce and business communities, according to Mount Wachusett.

“I’m particularly happy to award this year’s prize to Mount Wachusett Community College,” Patrick said as he made mention of the college’s manufacturing programs. “When I proposed changes to the way we think of community colleges, this is the type of outcome I had in mind.”

The college was selected for developing its Advanced Manufacturing Technology Programs – stackable programs in advanced manufacturing that address local employer training needs. Interested students can take non-credit or credit classes that lead directly to employment opportunities, industry credentials, and a pathway for completing additional credit courses at the college. Over the past two years, 291 students have enrolled in the program.

The college has been fortunate to have positive industry partners that ensure the college is providing a trained and skilled workforce so it can support and grow the regional economy, according to a statement from MWCC President Daniel Asquino.