STCC awarded $499,785 by Gov. Baker to expand laser and manufacturing programs
Springfield, Mass.—Gov. Charlie Baker recently announced Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) as the recipient of a $499,785 workforce skills grant to expand its laser electro-optics technology and mechanical engineering technology programs to address the workforce needs of the advanced manufacturing industry which relies on the precision machining achieved by the use of lasers. STCC was one of 35 high school, community colleges, and vocational training providers to receive funding through the $9.3 million workforce skills grant program.
According to STCC Laser Electro-Optics Technology Professor Dr. Nicholas Massa, STCC will use the grant to purchase several state-of-the-art laser machining systems and related equipment that will be integrated into its laser electro-optics technology and mechanical engineering technology programs to enhance their capacity to educate students in the latest laser technology applications.
“In industries such as aerospace, biomedical devices, automotive, semiconductor fabrication and many others, the use of lasers in cutting, welding, drilling as well as precision measurement is unmatched,” said Massa. “The Pioneer Valley and surrounding regions are a hotbed for companies that utilize lasers in their manufacturing processes. As the only community college in New England offering an associate degree program in laser electro-optics technology, or photonics, STCC is uniquely positioned to provide the skilled workforce necessary to ensure the growth of this rapidly growing high tech industry.”
In addition to purchasing equipment, STCC will create a new one-year certificate program in advanced laser materials processing to launch in 2017.