Class speaker Zachary Gill was one of seven students to graduate from the 10-week Microelectronics Boot Camp at Nashua Community College on Feb. 16. Courtesy photo/Nashua Community College

NASHUA – The Microelectronics Boot Camp at Nashua Community College celebrated its 31st graduation on Feb. 16 with seven new graduates.

They are: Michael Barbour, Shaella Garcia Guzman, Chelsea Gibb, Zachary Gill, Tomas Juarez, Weindalliss Luna and Branden Yorke.

“This was a tight knit group and hopefully it continues to be after graduation,” said Jon Mason, director of Workforce Development at NCC. “Anywhere you go, you will find alumni there too. It’s a whole brotherhood you’re going into.”

Class speaker Zachary Gill thanked industry partners as well as the instructors and lab assistants.

“We started 10 weeks ago not knowing anything about microelectronics and with this guidance; we have become proficient,” he said.

Butch Locke, Strategic Operations director at BAE Systems joined the ceremony to congratulate graduates and encouraged them to continue learning.

“You just did 10 weeks, and it made a difference. I encourage you not to stop,” he said.

Alumni speaker Noah Beavers, from the 28th class, said the training has been a great stepping stone.

“It’s great seeing it make such a change in so many lives,” he said. “Previously, I was managing a car rental – it was completely different going from customer service to getting into an industry that’s blown up so big and continues to grow. Now I’m at BAE and it’s been quite an experience. I hope everyone here is ready for a new chapter in life. I’ll see some of you at work.”

Graduates are guaranteed interviews with founding partner, BAE Systems, Inc. Students also begin careers with industry partners such as Draper Labs, Microsembly, Mercury Systems, L3 Harris Technologies, API Technology, MACOM, MIT Lincoln Labs, Lockheed Martin and Monzite.

Boot camp instructor James Flis said this class could be characterized by being hardworking and dedicated throughout the program, and advised them to keep it up.

“Continue to learn and grow, and be the person that you’re meant to be,” he said.

The Microelectronics Boot Camp program is a Bellwether Award Finalist in the category of Workforce Development. Later this month, NCC will present with community colleges from around the U.S. in the final round of the Bellwether Award competition in San Antonio, Texas.

A total of 30 Bellwether Finalists will compete for the 2024 Bellwether Award at the 30th Annual Community College Futures Assembly.