Greenfield Community College to Celebrate Manufacturing Day Oct. 1
GREENFIELD — In celebration of Manufacturing Day 2015, Greenfield Community College (GCC) will open its doors on Thursday, Oct. 1 between 5 and 7 p.m. to students, parents, and others interested to learn more about manufacturing practices, free training programs, and the outstanding opportunities a career in manufacturing can provide.
Manufacturing Day is an annual national event at the local level supported by area manufacturers as they host students, teachers, parents, job seekers, and other community members at open houses, plant tours, and presentations designed to showcase modern manufacturing technology and careers. The goal is to expand the community’s knowledge of manufacturing and improve the public perception of manufacturing career opportunities.
“GCC is responding to the growing demand for highly skilled professionals in the manufacturing sector who can design, program, and operate technology,” said GCC President Bob Pura. “According to the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, the average age of a manufacturing employee is now 56, and by the year 2020 they project an unprecedented shortage of skilled manufacturing workers who will need to be replaced.”
The event will be held in the Core Lobby of GCC, One College Dr., Greenfield. Activities will include an opportunity to meet and greet area manufacturing companies and learn about what they make, as well as explore GCC’s training programs. Attendees can join a scavenger hunt, enter to win prizes,and enjoy refreshments.
Immediately following Manufacturing Day, attendees are invited to join GCC’s Pioneer Valley Institute presentation by Journeyman machinist Jim Terapane, who is also president of the Museum of Our Industrial Heritage. His presentation, titled “North from the Springfield Armory II: Local Industrial DNA,” will discuss the industrial lineage of the machine-tool industry of the Pioneer Valley and goes back to the manufacturing of arms at the Springfield Armory, which was a springboard to machine-tool industries stretching up the Connecticut River to Windsor, Vt. The event, which is free and open to the public, will run 7 to 9 p.m. in the Sloan Theater.
Those interested in applying for the free training programs should also attend the information and application session on Monday, Oct. 19. For details, visit www.gcc.mass.edu/manufacturing or contact Jeremiah Riordon at (413) 775-1611 or [email protected].
