Celebrate Manufacturing Day October 1

September 24, 2015

In celebration of Manufacturing Day 2015, Greenfield Community College (GCC) will open its doors on October 1st, between 5 p.m.-7 p.m. to students, parents, and others interested to learn more about manufacturing practices, free training programs, and to draw attention to the outstanding opportunities a career in manufacturing can provide.

Manufacturing Day is an annual national event at the local level supported by area manufacturers as they host students, teachers, parents, job seekers and other community members at open houses, plant tours and presentations designed to showcase modern manufacturing technology and careers. The goal is to expand our community's knowledge of manufacturing and improve the public perception of manufacturing career opportunities.

"GCC is responding to the growing demand for highly skilled professionals in the manufacturing sector who can design, program and operate technology," said GCC President Bob Pura. "According to the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, the average age of a manufacturing employee is now 56, and by the year 2020 they project an unprecedented shortage of skilled manufacturing workers who will need to be replaced."

The event will be held at GCC, located at One College Drive, Greenfield MA in the Core Lobby. Activities will include an opportunity to meet and greet area manufacturing companies and learn about what they make, as well as explore the GCC's training programs. Attendees can join a scavenger hunt, enter to win prizes and enjoy refreshments.

Immediately following the Manufacturing Day, attendees are invited to join GCC's Pioneer Valley Institute presentation by Journeyman machinist Jim Terapane.  Mr. Terapane is the President of The Museum of Our Industrial Heritage.  His presentation entitled "North from the Springfield Armory II: Local Industrial DNA" will discuss the industrial lineage of the machine tool industry of the Pioneer Valley and goes back to the manufacture of arms at the Springfield Armory, which was a springboard to machine tool industries stretching up the Connecticut River to Windsor, VT.

This event is free and open to the public and the presentation will run 7 p.m.-9 p.m. in the Sloan Theater.

Those interested in applying for the free training programs should also attend the Information and Application Session on October 19.  For details visit gcc.mass.edu/manufacturing or contact, Jeremiah Riordon at 413-775-1611 or .

Manufacturing Day is supported by the Commonwealth's Advanced Manufacturing Futures Program administered by MassDevelopment. This community wide event is being co-sponsored by the Franklin Hampshire Regional Employment Board, the Franklin Hampshire Career Centers, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin County Community Development Corporation.