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Local Manufacturers Visit QCC Seeking Future Employees
May 2022
June 2022
Student Mariana Ferraz shows off a project in the Fab Lab to Bob Jacques, Todd Cournoyer, and Scott Kibe.
Samuel Museme and Christian Thompson explain a project to Scott Kibe.
Local leaders in CNC manufacturing visited QCC on Tuesday, April 26, and met with students to provide real world insight into employment in the manufacturing industry. Students in Computer-Aided Manufacturing, taught by Lee Duerden, associate professor and coordinator of the manufacturing technology program, as well as students in the Manufacturing Capstone Project, taught by Damian Kieran, professor of manufacturing technology, heard about the enormous potential for growth in manufacturing careers.
Todd Cournoyer, the head manufacturing manager at Primetals Technologies; Scott Kibe, a production leader from Rolls-Royce Naval Marine Inc; and Bob Jacques, president of A&M Tool and Design, all started at their respective companies on the ground floor as machinists, and worked their way up to their current positions.
Mr. Jacques recalled starting at his company as a junior in high school.
“Now I own the company! That’s what potential is,” he said.
The employers also touched on the real need for employees. Mr. Cournoyer spoke on the new technology that Primetals has been investing in, but noted, “none of that does any good if we can’t get people to join our team. There’s not a lot of quality machinists out there. So when we find them, we hang on to them.”
Speaking on QCC’s advanced manufacturing program, Mr. Kibe noted, “This program gives you an advantage. You’re learning the skills on the machine and how to apply these ideas for tomorrow and next week.”
Students were able to show off what they built in the advanced manufacturing lab, as well as in the Fab Lab, a space to complete essential coursework and gain hands-on experience. It also enables students to create a network and learn skills from their peers, giving them a leg up when it comes time to put these skills to use in their careers. In the Fab Lab employers viewed projects such as a spot welder that a student built from scratch, and a recycling system another student created to reuse 3D printer materials.
