STCC to offer free CNC training to meet job demand

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – In response to the growing demand for skilled workers in the manufacturing sector, Springfield Technical Community College’s Workforce Development Division will offer a hands-on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) operator training class.

A student operates a CNC machine.

The class, which is free to those who qualify, starts this spring and runs for 10 weeks (200 hours). The program aims to equip individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, 18 or older, and have a high school diploma or equivalent with the necessary skills to thrive in the modern manufacturing industry, addressing both the workforce shortage and providing career opportunities for the community.

This training program is funded by the Mass Technology Collaborative in collaboration with the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board. MassHire Program & Services are funded in part by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Employment and Training Administration grants, as well as non-federal grants.

Gladys Franco, Assistant Vice President of Workforce Development at STCC, said students who complete the program will be prepared to enter the workforce. Manufacturers are struggling to find workers with the expertise needed to operate CNC machines.

We are thrilled to partner with MassHire to offer this opportunity to the community. Gladys Franco, Assistant Vice President of Workforce Development

“We are thrilled to partner with MassHire to offer this opportunity to the community,” Franco said. “People who enroll are not only getting classroom-based skills, but they’re working with MassHire’s career center and their career coaches. They’re getting access to our education and career advisors. We are preparing trainees with resume development and interview skills and how to use social media for professional networking.”

The manufacturing industry has experienced a resurgence in recent years, driven by advancements in technology and automation. CNC machinery, which is essential for precise and efficient production processes, is at the heart of this transformation. However, the rapid pace of technological change has created a significant skills gap.

STCC’s Workforce Development Division and MassHire recognize this gap and are proactively addressing it by offering comprehensive CNC training. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support local industries and enhance the employability of the workforce.

The curriculum covers a range of topics essential for becoming proficient in CNC operations, including but not limited to:

  • Machine Tool Safety
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Introduction to CNC Machinery
  • CNC Mill and Lathe Operations
  • Basic Measurement
  • Cutting Processes
  • Safety for Metal Cutting

Participants in the CNC training program will acquire skills that provide a pathway to well-paying, stable jobs. Enrollment for the free CNC training class is now open. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply early, as spaces are limited. The program is expected to fill quickly due to high demand.

For more information and to find out how to enroll, visit stcc.io/cnc. For questions, call Workforce Development at STCC at (413) 755-4225 or email workforcetraining@stcc.edu.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu