June 13
North Shore Community College (NSCC) has been awarded a $90,528 Massachusetts Skills
Capital Grant by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to purchase equipment used in
their Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering programs. The nearly $15 million in Skills Capital Grants funding will support 65 high schools,
colleges, and educational institutions to upgrade technology and instructional lab
spaces, expand career programs for young people and adults, and increase capacity
in workforce training programs across Massachusetts.
NSCC will use the Skills Capital Grant to purchase robotics equipment which will be used to introduce Robotics and Automation Technology to the curricula in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering programs. NSCC recently participated in a collaboration with MassBridge that addressed workforce needs in robotics/automation. The highest anticipated hiring growth is Mechatronics Technicians. Mechatronics includes electrical and mechanical aspects of advanced manufacturing, where robotics is a direct subset.
"Robotics is the perfect next-step in STEM programs at NSCC! We know that advanced manufacturing, robotics, and engineering technicians are in-demand workforce skills in the North Shore. We have equipment at our Lynn campus to support all of these areas and can now ensure that all students have access to modern equipment and technology," said Dr. Steven Hubbard, Dean of STEM and Business. "Access to robotics, 3D printers, electronics, advanced simulation software, and especially our skilled faculty are all essential to serving students and employers in our region."
The MA Skills Capital Grants are awarded by the state’s Workforce Skills Cabinet, which brings together the Secretariats of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Health and Human Services. This Cabinet works to align education, economic development, and workforce policies to meet employers’ demand for skilled workers in every region of Massachusetts. The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with local businesses, as well as align curriculum and credentials with industry demand to maximize hiring opportunities.