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S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 / W O R K F O R M E 45 The SMCC Precision Machin- ing & Manufacturing associate degree in applied science pro- gram requires a mix of general education and hands-on courses. Graduates can find high-paying jobs in industries ranging from shipbuilding and aerospace to medical and consulting firms. Studies cover things like math, physics, engineering technol- ogy, manufacturing processes and methods, as well computer studies, business and liberal arts. The program also offers a certificate in Computer Numeri- cal Controller Machine Opera- tion, a shorter course of study. John Bolduc, chairman of the department, says that what was once considered a blue-collar profession now calls technical know-how and critical think- ing skills. "They work in high-tech shops, with sophisticated equip- ment," he says. Students have gone on to work at places like Bath Iron Works, Abbott Labora- tories (the Scarborough business that develops diagnostic testing, including for COVID-19) and the Department of Defense. Job possibilities are endless, as are the Maine businesses looking for skilled manufac- turing workers. "My students right now can pick whatever they want to do with their degree," Bolduc says. Bolduc fields constant phone calls from companies across the state looking for skilled work- ers. Many of the firms will pay for training, or reimburse a student's tuition, if they can find someone to fill a position. "I could put 30 to 40 people to work today if I had the stu- dents," Bolduc says. The program also offers in- ternships, something suggested by its industry partners, which al- low students to get paid training, while companies fill empty slots. Bolduc says students can complete the 90-hour internship any time during their course of study, and many of them are during the summer or after the students' first semester so they interfere less with studies. Henckel works at Standard Machine Co., in South Portland, a small machine fabrication shop. "It's a pretty small opera- tion, just my boss and I," he says. "He's taken me under his wing and is really expanding my knowledge and experience." Henckel had no idea what he was getting into with ma- chining. "So, it's all been pretty surprising," he says. One surprise is a pleasant one. It's less stressful than the Navy. Another is how precise the work is. "The tightness of some of the tolerances we machine can be astonishing. We regularly make parts that are within one thou- sandth of an inch and on occasion we work to one ten thousandth of an inch," he says. The work also fits his addic- tion to progress. "It's all very black and white. Either a part I make meets toler- ances, or it doesn't. I also get to have that little sense of accom- plishment when I finish some- thing. It's very rewarding." He can see himself making a career out of the trade, but also sees the possibilities it can lead to. "I think as I age, I will want to move into the modeling and programming side of the indus- M a n u f a c t u r i n g In uncertain times, one thing you can do is focus on your future. And Maine needs skilled employees in specific industries. New Ventures Maine is here to help you get going with tuition-free classes and individual coaching. Interactive classes and workshops are currently online. Visit our website at newventuresmaine.org or call 207-621-3434 You want to change careers. New Ventures Maine can help. 207-621-3434 newventuresmaine.org 46 Years of Building Maine B R U N S W I C K 2 0 7-7 2 5 - 4 3 0 4 I N F O @ P O U L I N C O N S T R U C T I O N M E . C O M HOTELS RESTAURANTS ASSISTED LIVING MULTI-USE OFFICE SUITES C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L O W I N G PA G E » My students right now can pick whatever they want to do with their degree. — John Bolduc SMCC

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