Assabet Valley Technical Institute Hosts Successful Fall Manufacturing Summit

MARLBOROUGH – Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, in collaboration with MassHire MetroSouth/West, hosted a successful 2022 Fall Manufacturing Summit.

On Friday, Oct. 7, Assabet Valley Tech welcomed approximately 18 business leaders from MetroWest and Central Massachusetts to celebrate Manufacturing Day. The public discussion was developed for businesses to talk about ideas and produce solutions to the worker shortage within manufacturing.

MassHire Metro South/West Business Services Manager Sean Marshall presented and spoke to attendees about a variety of resources that business could use to increase the interest in manufacturing jobs. Featured resources for job seekers and employers included various Career institutes, registered apprenticeships, business development programs tailored to business and recruitment needs, podcasts on debunking the stigmas around manufacturing, and how to use and apply for grants.

Additionally, nine high school students from Advanced Manufacturing attended the presentation to learn about upcoming job fair events and resources for students who wish to continue a career path of manufacturing.

There is currently a labor shortage within the realm of manufacturing careers and the summit presented a way for business leaders to produce ideas to get students and individuals more interested in this work. Marshall discussed how students could get involved or interested in manufacturing work. By breaking down the stigmas of manufacturing work, businesses can create a more welcoming environment for students and individuals who are looking to pursue a career in manufacturing.

Marshall also spoke about the importance of community connection. By having a strong community connection, businesses and schools can widen their candidate pools to populations or demographics that they may not be thinking of at first. Getting creative with different opportunities and programs can entice candidates into a career that they may not have considered before.

At the end of the discussion, business leaders were able to network and collaborate on ideas for their own specific businesses, which included how they could grow their work force locally. 

“I would like to thank MassHire Metro South/West for their continuous support of our programs here at Assabet Tech,” said Assabet Valley Tech Director of Workforce and Economic Development Mary May. “This was an opportunity to bring businesses together so they can come up with solutions to give students post training and employment opportunities within their desired field. The success of these programs is directly related to the support we have received from manufacturing businesses.” 

Students who participate in manufacturing programs at vocational/technical schools have an abundance of opportunities within the manufacturing world. Manufacturing programs allow students to follow their dreams with hands on experience and continuous growth within the field.

In addition to Manufacturing programs,  Assabet Community Education also offers training in Welding, Journeyman Electrical, Apprentice Plumbing, HVAC and Cosmetology. 

MassHire Metro South/West in collaboration with Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium will also be hosting additional manufacturing events throughout October.

To learn more about up-coming events for both employers and job seekers, click here.

The 2022 Fall Manufacturing Summit participating businesses and organizations included: MassHire, Town of Acton, Marlborough Economic Development Corporation, Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium, Shawsheen Valley Regional Technical Institute, Metro West Chamber of Commerce, Minuteman Technical Institute, Assabet Valley Technical Institute, Middlesex Community College, Norfolk’s Sheriff’s Department, Rolls-Royce North America, Pro-Drive Technologies, Riverdale Mills, Gooch & Housego, and MASS MEP.

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