Amorando, who had worked in manufacturing for 12 years after graduating from Bullard Havens Technical High School’s manufacturing program, had been employed at Bridgeport’s Lacey Manufacturing, when he was offered the opportunity to attend the program. Lacey would pick up the costs of the program while he continued in his job.
He jumped at the opportunity.
“I wanted exposure to programming,” he said, “I went through the manufacturing basics in high school but I had never been exposed to computer-aided design before.”
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That subject is just one that’s covered in the two-certificate credit program. The basic manufacturing certificate track, which is offered in the Fall, also includes courses in blueprint reading; drill, press and saw operation; grinding; bench work; lathe operation; milling; and CNC (Computer Numeric Control). While providing the foundation to pursue the advanced manufacturing certificate, the basic certificate also includes training in math for manufacturing, lean manufacturing, metrology, computer applications, and careers in manufacturing.
The advanced credit certificate, offered in the Spring, includes advanced courses in manufacturing math and blueprint reading; principles of quality control; and advanced manufacturing machinery courses in lathe operation, milling, and CNC.
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The program, which is accepting applications for the Fall semester, prepares students for advanced manufacturing positions that include machine operator, CNC (Computer Numeric Control) operator, CNC programmer, assembler, and Quality Control inspector. These can pay in the $15-$20 per-hour range.
The program gave Amorando the background he needed to move into the field of CNC, working on manufacturing a product that had been previously outsourced. At a manufacturing center event last year, Lacey President Ken Lisk mentioned that the firm has five machines sitting idle in the plant because people with the skills to run them couldn’t be found.
Since he graduated from the program, Amorando has set up two of the machines, which manufactures a component of assemblies used in applying medical staples. “Thanks to the program, I moved up to a new job, a new pay scale and a new type of work,” he said.
Amorando has only praise for the program. “The faculty went above and beyond for the students,” he said. “The teachers honestly care. They’re interested in getting information across and making sure the people in the class get something out of it.”
He singles out program director Mike Gugger for special praise. “He will stay late and give students extra attention,” he said. “He believes in what he’s doing.”
Registration for the Fall semester is going on now. Students may register at www.housatonic.edu. through Sunday, Sept. 1 and by fax, mail, or dropping off a registration form and payment information in the drop box in Lafayette Hall through Friday, Aug. 16. Students may also register in person at the Registrar’s office (B109, Lafayette Hall), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. ‑ 4 p.m., through Wednesday, Aug. 21 (Tuesday, Aug. 6, and Wednesday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) Formal late registration session will be held Thursday, Aug. 22, 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; and Monday, Aug. 26, 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. A special registration session for senior citizens and high school partnership students will be held Tuesday, Aug. 27, 10 a.m. – Noon. For more information, contact Bill Griffin at 203-332-5056. Fall semester classes start Wednesday, Aug. 28. HCC is located at 900 Lafayette Boulevard in downtown Bridgeport, less than 150 yards off I-95 (Exit 27) and Rte. 8 (Exit 1), a block from the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard. Free parking is available in the Housatonic garage.
