PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Despite interruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 56 trainees completed their training as part of the Berkshire Advanced Manufacturing Program. 

 

Some 21 unemployed and underemployed participants received certificates of completion for their participation in Introduction to Basic Advanced Manufacturing Skills Training held at Taconic High School in Pittsfield and McCann Technical School in North Adams. The training was 120 hours.

 

Six trainees completed training in MIG and TIG Welding held McCann Tech. The training combined classroom, hands-on as well as virtual training through ToolingU on-line manufacturing. Trainees received instruction in blueprint reading, shop math, computer-aided drafting, CAM, machining, and mill and lathe programming; as well as receiving OSHA 10 cards. The training was 95 hours.

 

These skills prepared participants to apply for entry-level positions at local manufacturers. In conjunction with the training, participants were given the opportunity to apply for employment through two virtual job fairs sponsored by the MassHire Career Center.  

 

Additionally, 17 individuals, participated in a one-day Hoisting Training that prepared them to take the state licensure exams in 1A and 3C hoisting. Both unemployed and underemployed individuals, as well as incumbent workers from Berkshire employers, took advantage of this training.

 

As part of the grant funding, Berkshire Workforce board was able to offer 12 On-the-Job training financial assistance to area manufacturers. This funding assists employers to reduce the cost of supporting the training of new hires particularly in entry-level positions. 

 

LTI Specialty Glass, Unistress and Valmet took advantage of this program. 

 

"MassHire's OJT program helped LTI in a significant way," Christopher Kapiloff, vice president of LTI Glass, said. "With their help, we were able to provide employment to people who would not have been hired otherwise. It was good for the employee, for LTI and good for Berkshire County."

 

These trainings are part of a $178,000 state grant awarded to the Berkshire Workforce Board for fiscal year 2020 to support the education and training of individuals with entry-level skills needed to enter and/or advance within the Advanced Manufacturing workforce in Berkshire County. Funding was provided by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and administered by the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County. 

 

This is the fifth year of providing this training. Graduates have attained positions at manufacturing companies such as: General Dynamics, Spectrum Technologies, LTI Glass, T&A Tool, Lenco Armored Cars, RIBCo, Data Flute, Unistress, Covanta LLC, Onyx Specialty Papers, Lansen Mold, and Modern Mold and Tool.

 

The Berkshire Workforce Board is the grant recipient, and partners in the grant include area manufacturing employers Spectrum Technology, Cavallero Plastics, Crane & Co., Interprint, LTI Glass and Onyx Specialty Paper; Berkshire Community College, McCann Technical School, MassHire Berkshire Career Center, and Pittsfield Public Schools.