Training Machinists for Monadnock Companies

Chalk up another area of economic optimism. Four Keene area manufacturers have teamed up with River Valley Community College, based in Claremont, and the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Keene to train and hire people for CNC machining jobs.

Surprisingly, even during this economy, manufacturers are finding it difficult to hire skilled workers. The good news is that they are adding positions.

To help Monadnock-area manufacturers address that challenge, Keene State College, the Keene School District, River Valley Community College, and the Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce partnered to form the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing in February 2010.

The CNC machinist training is the first program implemented under the Center, which partnered with River Valley Community College's STAR program to provide the training at no cost to participants.

Those taking the training will go on to full-time first, second and third shift positions at Corning NetOptics, NH Ball Bearing, Tidland and Knappe & Koester. Starting wages for the CNC machinists is $12 per hour with full benefits. Participants will also have the opportunity to receive a nationally recognized industry certification through the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Division.

Eleven students are going through the program, which began this month and is split into two four-week sessions, says Jim Britton, director of continuing education and business training at River Valley Community College. Competition was stiff with 10 people applying for every slot, he says. The program is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor grant. For more information, visit www.rivervalley.edu.