NCC Will Use Grant to Expand Skilled Manufacturing Training

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) announced that the Shapiro Administration is investing $194,025 through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) program to help Northampton Community College (NCC) recruit and train students to meet workforce needs. The program will focus on new and current workers looking to increase their skills as well as students who already have some manufacturing knowledge and experience.  

NCC will use the MTTC grant to implement fundamentals of precision machining and fundamentals of computer numerical control (CNC) courses, designed for students of all levels to master the skills needed to effectively operate machinery found in manufacturing spaces. Students that complete the program will earn three industry recognized credentials from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. In total, 30 students will be accepted into the program. 

“The Shapiro Administration’s investments in career training programs are building up the workforce of tomorrow and strengthening Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry at the same time,” said Secretary Siger. “MTTC grants, like this one to NCC, ensure that we’ll have prepared, trained workers to fill critical positions and strengthen our economy. We’ll continue to make these types of smart investments to give all Pennsylvanians access to opportunity.” 
 
For the precision machining program, NCC will recruit students from a variety of backgrounds including those with low-incomes, limited technology skills, are under-employed or unemployed, veterans, or out-of-school youth. Workers with at least one year of manufacturing work experience will be recruited for the CNC program.  

“Precision machining and CNC skills are in high demand throughout Pennsylvania. This is evident from the demand from industry looking to fill open positions within their companies,” said Dean of Automotive, Industry & Manufacturing at NCC, Ken Nasatka. “This funding enables NCC to train individuals to meet this need. NCC's goal is to provide these individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure successful careers, as well as pathways into various apprenticeships and college credit opportunities for those pursuing a college degree.”  

The MTTC program works collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach missing essential skills for entry level applicants seeking manufacturing employment, engage youth or those with barriers to career opportunities in manufacturing, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers.  

“We are a college of the community,” said President of NCC, Dr. David A. Ruth. “We are grateful for grants like this that help us to continue to train and upskill our community members to meet the demands of our workforce.”  

For more information about the MTTC program or DCED, visit the agency’s website.