Filling Machining Talent Void

While other industries may be cutting back during the down economy, manufacturers and machine shops still face a dearth of talent to fill technical jobs. But a new partnership aims to help fill that void.

The NH Machining Association has partnered with Manchester-based Intelitek Inc., which develops and produces high-tech hybrid training systems, and Workforce Training Resources, LLC, a career training services provider based in Manchester, on a series of new programs to train entry-level precision manufacturing technicians, computer-aided machine operators and automation and robotics technicians in NH.

Intelitek is housing the new training program and providing equipment for students to train on while Workforce Training Resources oversees full time, intensive, immersion courses. Skills are at an all-time low across the country, says Brenda Quinn, president of Intelitek. Corporations are trying to increase productivity and growth. A lack of skilled workers is inhibiting that growth.

The partners are seeking nearly $500,000 during the next two years and have committed to training more than 150 new entry-level employees for NH's advanced manufacturing industry. Also partnering in the grant proposal is the Economic Development Corporation of Newport (ECON). The partners plan to revitalize the Newport Tool and Technology Resources facility as a focal training point for the many precision manufacturers in the Newport and Claremont area, and Grafton and Sullivan counties region. While training has been focused initially in Manchester and Newport at the Intelitek and ECON training centers, it will be expanded to Nashua and offered in the North Country in the future.

This is an industry-driven initiative, states Mitch Latva, chairman of the NH Machining Association and owner of precision manufacturer Latva Machines in Newport. The advanced manufacturing industry employs over 70,000 people in our state and contributes the largest share of the state's export income. We, as an industry, are desperate for trained entry-level employees.

The eight-week full-time immersion training courses graduate entry-level advanced manufacturing technicians and computer-aided machine operators. We're targeting those folks who don't have time to go to college, they need a job now, says Lisa Tatterson, project director for Workforce Training Resources.