NASHUA – For nine students at Nashua Community College, the rigorous 10-week Precision Manufacturing Boot Camp came to an end on April 5.

The following students received certificates of completion: Trevor Bouchard, Christopher Coconis, Ethan Colby, Yaritza Cruz, Aiden Hughes, Brian Liriano, Edgardo Lopez, Christian Padin and Damien Valley.

During his address, Padin spoke about his career path and the satisfaction of working with machines.

“When I first got accepted into this program, I was homeless and what I received here has been life changing,” he said. “The support from the college, my class and the community. I couldn’t dream of a more qualified team to teach us, we’ve gained a solid foundation.”

Launched last spring, the boot camp provides students with the skills necessary for entry-level careers in defense manufacturing.

“Careers in defense manufacturing, in particular submarine shipbuilding, are essential to our national security,” said U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Scott Pappano. “To continue to operate worldwide, our service members depend on the support the shipbuilding workforce and infrastructure industry provide. The men and women who serve within the Defense Industrial Base are the future of our nation and will define where we go in the next decade, generation and century.”

In addition to being free for students, the boot camp is also supported by Granite State Manufacturing, which offers interviews to students who have completed the program.

“The NCC Precision Manufacturing Boot Camp embodies our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation in the manufacturing industry,” said John Allard, CEO of Granite State Manufacturing. “We are incredibly proud of all the graduates. Their hard work and dedication reflect the bright future of manufacturing.”

Jonathan Mason, NCC’s director of workforce development, said he takes pride in watching students progress through the boot camp.

“It is amazing to watch a student when the light goes on and they grasp the concept of the work,” he said. “The staff, especially the Manufacturing staff, are behind this program 110 percent and it shows.”

In concert with the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance, NCC also hosted the spring 2024 New Hampshire Signing Day event for the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership.

“The strength of our Naval force ultimately relies on a robust pipeline of skilled Machinists and other defense industry professionals who build, equip, modernize and deploy a powerful fleet of submarines that are at the forefront of our national defense,” said Timothy Fox, director of operations at SENEDIA. “SENEDIA is proud to power the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership and support workforce development efforts like this Precision Manufacturing Boot Camp program. Together, we are preparing people for good paying careers, empowering our military, protecting our national security and advancing a critical, $119 billion industry for New England.”

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