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NCC Microelectronics program graduates 16

By Grace Pecci - Staff Writer | Aug 31, 2019

NASHUA – The Microelectronics Boot Camp at Nashua Community College saw 16 of its students graduate Friday morning.

This is a 40 hours-per-week, 10-week career training program, during which students focus on wire/ribbon bonding and die attach for microelectronic components in manufacturing.

The program partners with BAE Systems, Mercury Systems, Elbit, API Technology and other companies to make sure students are learning information that is up to date with current industry standards. In addition, students who graduate from the program have a guaranteed interview with BAE. During the program, microelectronics students also have the opportunity to earn their Lean White Belt certification.

Program officials boast of a 95% success rate.

Friday’s ceremony marked the program’s 13th graduation.

This year’s graduating class includes: Devonte Bell, Reece Dumdey, Jacob Finley, Jared Germano, Clara Gesel, Alexandra Gimby, Jennifer Metivier Griffith, Philip Hedstrom, Ron Pisinski, Kelvin Joel Morales, Benjamin Kerouac, Timothy Misodoulakis, Alexandra Sloan, Robert Todd, Rubiel Andres Ovalle Toribio, and Nicholas Wagar.

“This is a grueling task. It’s 10 weeks, 40 hours. That’s 400 hours of not being with your family, your children. It’s all encompassing and we understand the sacrifice you made,” Nashua Community College Community and Continuing Education Coordinator Jon Mason told students Friday.

Mason highlighted the diversity of the class.

“There was a Marine, right down to a single mom, and you wouldn’t know it,” Mason said.

Despite coming from different backgrounds, members of the group were able to form a unique bond within the first week.

“They became a family,” Mason said. “No one just stayed in their lane. They’re across the board helping someone who needs it. If someone had a bad day, it was not unusual to see the rest of them start talking to them (saying), ‘What’s going on, how can we help you?'”

“This group, they solved the riddle of what makes a good person and a good employee. They worked together well and played together well,” he added.

Lab instructor Jim Flis spoke similarly to Mason. This was Flis’ fourth cohort of students.

“I’m always amazed by the diversity that they have. We have a single mom, a single dad. We have a new grandma. We have employed people looking for a better life. We have unemployed people looking to start a life,” Flis said.

To see people who come from different walks of life work together was incredible, he added.

“They formed a strong bond. The thing is, they didn’t do it in weeks or days. They did it in hours,” Flis said.

Flis said on day two of class, he walked in and saw a cohesive group had already formed.

“Without exception, everyone exceeded my expectations – and I set pretty high expectations,” Flis said of the students.

Lean Manufacturing trainer Woody Thornton was also in attendance with some words of advice for the students.

“Don’t be afraid to do something. Failure will not define you – you’re knowledge and experience will,” Thornton said.

Thornton spoke on the opportunity students have to earn their Lean White Belt certification.

“We teach them to qualify for a special certification, so not only are they getting a beautiful degree here, but they’re also getting certified by us as a Lean White Belt. And then they have the opportunity to keep striving and keep on looking forward.”

Thornton said the tools students walk away with give them confidence as they head to their next step in life.

Alexandra Sloan served as the student speaker.

“When we began this journey, I don’t think any of us knew what to expect. We all came here with the goal to better our lives, whether it be to support our children and families, be able to have a more fulfilling career or simply to further our education for a better future,” Sloan said.

“By the third day, we had new best friends, group names, inside jokes and even some crafty nicknames. From that point forward, we became one of the most cohesive units of people I have ever seen,” Sloan said. “Not only did everyone contribute to helping each other learn, but we made sure everyone was included.”

“If someone had a problem, another student was there to help,” Sloan added.

Nashua Community College President Lucille Jordan reminded to students moving forward to remember the moment.

“You can not forget the skills that you learned and the sacrifices you’ve made, but you need to look forward. You need to take those skills that you have learned and apply them to where you’re going and then beyond that,” Jordan said.

She added, “My grandma always told me never forget who brought you to the dance.”

There are still spots open in the next Microelectronics Boot Camp, which will start Sept. 16. The cost of the program is $5,500.

For more information, contact Jon Mason at jmason@ccsnh.edu or 603-578-8900 ext. 1763.

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

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