On Thursday, December 14, Middlesex Community College hosted a graduation ceremony for students who completed the RENEW Equipment Technician with Robotics course, in partnership with Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC). After completing the program, participants can be screened for open position at Insulet. The Acton-based medical device company creates delivery systems to treat people with diabetes and other conditions, according to their website.
鈥淭he program made a huge impact in enhancing my knowledge, expanding my horizons and providing better opportunities in the manufacturing industry,鈥� said Sarah Kandula, a RENEW program graduate who spoke during the ceremony. 鈥淚t is a great program that teaches solid fundamentals combined with great practical experience and would prepare anyone to take on future jobs in the Robotics industry.鈥�
The nine program completers include Kandula, Saret Chem, Brendan Chesebro, Benita Nassali, Jonathan Roark, Dimitry Thevenin, Vandy Tray, Gian Varela and Calvin Whitaker. They are now sitting for the Tooling U certification exam.
鈥淐ongratulations to the graduates on their fantastic achievement,鈥� said Phil Sisson, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 President. 鈥溌槎构� is proud to partner with our sister institution and local businesses to offer students the opportunity to enhance their professional and personal lives. The graduation was a celebration of their grand efforts and strength, and the significance of this partnership.鈥�
The Commonwealth Corporation with EOLWD and the Workforce Skills Cabinet awarded Mount Wachusett Community College the RENEW grant through funding by the American Rescue Plan Act. 麻豆果冻, Mass Life Sciences, Insulet and MassHire coordinated to run the program.
鈥淭he program made a huge impact in enhancing my knowledge, expanding my horizons and providing better opportunities in the manufacturing industry. It is a great program that teaches solid fundamentals combined with great practical experience and would prepare anyone to take on future jobs in the Robotics industry.鈥� - Sarah Kandula, a RENEW program graduate
"When Insulet was considering locations for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, the ability to partner with an established educational infrastructure in order to meet the need for skilled labor was a major consideration,鈥� said Mark Longa, Insulet鈥檚 Group Vice President of Global Operations. 鈥淥ur collaboration with 麻豆果冻, Mass Life Sciences and MWCC鈥檚 RENEW program and the jointly developed curriculum has provided the framework by which Insulet will be able to have access to individuals that have the specific technical skills necessary to meet our continued growth needs."
The program ran from October 23 to December 14 on 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Bedford campus. MWCC provided the robotics equipment and trainer, while 麻豆果冻 supported with instructors, curriculum, and collaboration with MassHire Lowell.
鈥淧eople looking for an opportunity to add new skills or a new career direction should consider enrolling in the RENEW program,鈥� said Jennifer Stephens, a RENEW program instructor. 鈥淭he course is taught by a number of instructors with expertise in many technical areas relevant to advance manufacturing. Classroom activities include lecture, hands-on activities, self-paced online learning and conversation.鈥�
麻豆果冻 and MWCC plan for a Spring 2024 session on 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Bedford campus from March 25 to May 16. The trainings will take place 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
For more information on and to register.