For 150 years, Watts Water Technologies, Inc. has been a global leader in plumbing, heating, and water quality solutions. Known for its commitment to innovation, Watts develops smart, connected, and sustainable technologies that help shape the future of water management.
Behind these products is a highly skilled workforce. At its manufacturing facilities, Watts employees operate CNC (Computer Numerical Control) equipment, including lathes and milling machines, across three shifts. These positions require precision, technical expertise, and close attention to detail to ensure every product meets the company’s high standards for quality and consistency.
To support employee development and maintain operational excellence, Watts partnered with Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) to create customized CNC training programs tailored to its workforce needs.
“Watts’ partnership with LRCC has been extraordinarily valuable and has delivered significant benefits to both our employees and our business. As our company continues to grow and evolve, investing in workforce development remains a critical priority. Through our partnership with LRCC, we have been able to provide high-quality, customized training that aligns directly with the needs of our operation,” said Sarah Boucher, Human Resources Manager at Watts. “The CNC training program has enhanced employees’ technical skills, increased their confidence, and created new opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company. This collaboration has strengthened our workforce and helped position Watts for continued success in a competitive manufacturing environment.”
Delivered onsite by LRCC instructors, the trainings range from introductory to advanced levels, helping employees deepen their understanding of both machine operation and the technology behind it.
“The advanced training expands on the machining skills presented in the Basic CNC Operator training, and includes machine setup, basic CNC programming, and advanced operating procedures. Students completing this training will have the skills to safely set up, edit, and operate vertical (VMC), horizontal machining centers (HMC), and turning center CNC machines in a production environment. This training, paired with the basic training, allows these employees to develop skills in a high-demand field as a CNC machinist,” explained Joseph Smith, LRCC Instructor and Program Coordinator.
Employees who work with CNC equipment gain new skills and insights that help them advance in their roles and contribute even more effectively to the company’s success.
“This helps us go beyond just creating parts and loading things into the machine. With this class we’re figuring out how these machines work and how to fix them. Now when they’re running, we can look at the computer language. It’s almost like when you learn computer programming. We’re learning the language of these machines we work on and what they’re doing. It’s pretty fascinating,” said Jacob Spurgeon, a CNC Operator and training participant.
“The CNC machines are important to the business. The parts we machine go onto the lines that make valves that are then shipped across the country,” said Adam Bagni who is also taking the course.
“I think the training is great. We’re getting paid to learn and the company pays for the class,” agreed training participant Alan Woods.
“Watts has been an excellent partner providing these trainings to their employees,” added Smith. “They recognize the value of investing in their employees’ knowledge and career advancement. From what I have noticed, this type of mindset contributes to a positive workplace as well as employee retention.”
By partnering with employers like Watts, LRCC’s customized training programs help businesses strengthen their workforce while creating new opportunities for employees to grow professionally. These industry-focused training courses not only support the success of local companies but also contribute to a stronger regional economy and a more skilled workforce throughout our community.