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F a l l 2 0 1 6 • S T U F F 55 Worcester Technical High School has partnered with several local manufacturers who offer hands-on experience for students. These companies include: Benefits for Students and Business Cooperatives with local companies play an integral role in a WTHS education. WTHS has had a relationship with Metso Valve Technology Center in Shrewsbury since 2007 when John Kennedy, Metso's Warranty Returns and R&D Laboratory Manager, selected his first stu- dent interns. "Their work was so good, I didn't want to give them up at the end of the year," he says, adding that the partner- ship fostered expansion in the department. "This growth allows us to serve our customers better. The students have worked on the products so have insight into how they are made. When the products come back for repair, they can diagnose the root cause of the customer issue." The success of the partner- ship prompted Metso to offer a $5000.00 two-year scholarship to qualified candidates to attend Quinsigamond Community Col- lege,(QCC), where they can earn an Associate in Science degree in Engineering, Mechatronics or Manufacturing Technology while working part-time at Metso. Kennedy applauds WTHS for its superior job in preparing stu- dents. "What the students learn at the school is exactly what we need. And students put what they've learned in school into effect right away," he says. Filling a Void Michael Meagher, Robotics and Automation Technology Department Head, points out that WTHS graduates have options unavailable in the past. Some students become employees where they have interned, while others continue their education at a community college or pursue a four-year degree at WPI, UMass Lowell, Suffolk University, Clark University, Leslie University or another college. "The key is that the students are truly career and college ready when they graduate," Meagher says. "They have been introduced to career opportunities and have honed their skills." The country is in dire need of the skill sets WTHS teaches, according to Meagher. "We can fill the void for electricians, carpenters, plumbers, automa- tion techs and others," he says. "These students are prepared and do very well, earning a decent salary. In some cases, students travel all over the world in their jobs." Brian Cummings, Advanced Manufacturing Department Head, emphasizes that students not only build a strong founda- tion in their chosen career path, but they also gain a strong work ethic. "To learn in a simulated atmosphere operating equip- ment you'll use in the real world allows you to make mistakes and learn manufacturing skills. It's a huge benefit to the company and eliminates training on their part. We're filling a workforce need that's tough to backfill with so many people retiring. The skills students learn here apply across the board in any field," he says. While WTHS offers a wide range of programs for high school students, the institution believes middle school students would be interested in the many opportunities a trade school edu- cation can provide. "We want to educate them about who we are, what we do and the solid rela- tionships we have with industry," Cummings says. Paving a Career Path The true success of a school can be measured by the accom- plishments of its students. Mi- chael Lovejoy, drafter/designer in Metso's engineering department, is one of those success stories. Three years after beginning his coop, the company hired him. "A coop introduces you to the real world. You're able to witness first-hand what it is like to work in the trade of your choice," he says. "You also gain extremely valuable information as well as the ability to further your knowl- edge and skills directly related to your career." Lovejoy reports that his overall academic experience helped him establish and fulfill career goals. "I was able to start learning about a trade, while simultaneously taking the same courses I would at a tradition- al high school," says Lovejoy. "WTHS taught me what I needed to know to competently fulfill the duties within my trade, without much additional training. WTHS essentially paved a career path for me by connecting me with a company in my preferred field." • Columbia Tech • Consolidated Fabricators • Crocker Architectural • General Mechanical • Hydro Products • Metso Automation • Prima Tech Ceramics • Ranger Automation • Reed Manufacturing • St. Gobain - Worcester • Siemens (now Primetal) • Sjogren Industries • TEC Engineering • WireFab Drafting: Prince Acquah, senior Machine Technology: Connor Shea, sophmore Machine Technology: Samuel Pineda, sophmore