MILFORD — There is an old saying about something that seems too good to be true.

However, a Milford High School partnership with Hitchiner Manufacturing Co. and Spraying Systems Co. will allow 24 qualifying students to simultaneously earn:

• High school credit,

• College credit,

• Manufacturing and industrial experience, and

• $12 per hour.

Thursday, a group of MHS juniors and seniors got a glimpse of what their “classroom” could look like next year, as they toured the Hitchiner facility in Milford. Hitchiner is one of two companies that have partnered with the school for the new Manufacturing Exploration & Externship course. Spraying Systems Co. in Merrimack has also partnered for the course.

Beginning with the 2019-20 academic term, eligible juniors and seniors will be able to sign up for the course. Plans call for the students spend the first few weeks of their semester in the classroom learning about safety procedures and preparing to go into the field. For the rest of the semester, students will spend about six hours per week directly in the field at Spraying Systems and Hitchiner.

Since word got out about the new program in January, about 40 MHS students requested the course for the 2019-20 school year. Twenty-four students will be awarded entry into the program. The students must apply and interview to get into the course.

Inquiring students and their parents were able to visit Spraying Systems on March 28 to meet mentors and get a tour of the facility. Thursday evening, students and their parents got a chance to scope out Hitchiner.

The visit Thursday evening began with a presentation from Hitchiner Senior HR Generalist Julia Fretwell, who gave students an overview of the company and its operations. Fretwell spoke about the different types of products are created by the company, including parts used in the industries of aerospace, automotive, and national defense. She also talked with the students about the way their company works to produce detailed, high-quality products.

After a brief presentation, the students broke off into small groups to go behind the scenes and walk through the facility to see the work for themselves. The evening ended with an opportunity for parents and students to ask questions. Fretwell said Hitchiner is building a developing a center, at which students will go through training. She also discussed the importance of a relationship between Hitchiner and area students.

In January, MHS Director of Technical Studies Richard Paiva said, “We are always looking to be innovative in facilitating a student’s career pathway. Milford High School & Applied Technology Center has always had a long-standing relationship with our local industry partners and this just made sense. Collaborating with community stakeholders to enhance career readiness and opportunities for students in a win-win situation.”

Grace Pecci may be reached at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.

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