Lakes Region Community College Helps Fill the Demand for Manufacturing Careers with an Open House Oct. 13 and CNC Operator Bootcamp Oct. 25
Laconia, N.H. (October 6, 2021) – Lakes Region Community College (LRCC), in Laconia, is launching new opportunities for education and training in skills-based manufacturing to meet the local workforce demand.
On October 13, LRCC will host a Careers in Manufacturing Open House and express admission event from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about LRCC’s manufacturing programs, speak with faculty and employers who are in the field and can register on the spot for a program with express admissions. LRCC offers degrees and certificate programs in Advanced Manufacturing, CIS Technologies, Computer Information Systems, Graphic Design, PC Applications and Programming.
Additionally, starting October 25, LRCC will begin a CNC Operator Bootcamp, a six-week, 144-hour intensive classroom and hands-on training program. This entry-level program is geared towards those who like computers, tools and seeing how things come together and is designed for individuals with little to no experience in manufacturing. Students learn the essential skills such as how to operate CNC milling machine and lathe in a production environment.
The manufacturing industry employs nearly 10 percent of the country’s labor force and is a leader in technology and innovation. Throughout the years, manufacturing has continued to fuel the economy, with over 900,000 job openings in 2021. In New Hampshire, it’s one of the state’s top sectors with over 66,000 competitive manufacturing jobs in more than 22 unique fields, including aerospace and defense; chemical; machinery; computer and electronics; and textiles.
“Today’s manufacturing is much more high-tech,” said Joseph Smith, LRCC Advanced Manufacturing Department Chair. “The type of person who would be interested in this career likes computer technology and working with their hands.”
Grants and funding options are available to eligible students for manufacturing degree programs and the CNC Operator Bootcamp to offset the cost. In addition, many local manufacturing businesses offer reimbursement of tuition costs for new employees and those who need upskilling.
“Local manufacturers urgently need employees and are willing to assist with training costs that lead to a great starting pay, enormous growth potential and excellent benefits,” said Smith. “Many businesses will cover the entire CNC Operator Bootcamp course and tuition reimbursement for credit bearing college courses.”
LRCC has partnerships with many of the state’s manufacturing companies such as New Hampshire Ball Bearing in Laconia and EPTAM Precision Plastics in Northfield, just to name a few, for hands-on program training. LRCC offers flexible classes with options for in-person, online and hybrid models. To learn more about the manufacturing programs and possible funding options, contact Joseph Smith at [email protected].
Lakes Region Community College is a fully accredited, comprehensive community college located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire that serves over 1,200 students annually and offers housing options for students. LRCC offers more than 40 degree and certificate programs, including Automotive and Marine Technology, Fire Science, Nursing, Culinary Arts, Business, Accounting, and more. In addition, LRCC provides a strong background in Liberal Arts for students who choose to complete their first two years at a community college and then transfer to a four-year college or university for a baccalaureate degree. Business and industry training programs are also available. Lakes Region Community College is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire. For more information, visit lrcc.edu.
