President De Filippis, faculty and staff from the College along with industry partners and representatives from Thomaston Savings Bank were present to commemorate the achievement. President De Filippis opened the program with welcoming remarks and offered her sincere congratulations to NVCC students, faculty and staff on another very successful semester for the manufacturing program.  “I am so grateful for the generosity of Stephen Lewis and his team, their support of manufacturing in the area and their commitment to NVCC’s manufacturing program. This annual, generous commitment began in 2012 and assists one student each year in the completion of their studies.  Brave!”

 Stephen Lewis, President and CEO of Thomaston Savings Bank and colleague Kimberly Lebron, a Senior Vice President and Chief Loan Officer, presented a scholarship to one of the program’s top-performing students. The bank has historically served the local manufacturing industry and worked with many local manufacturers whom they saw struggling to find skilled help. Lewis noted, “Manufacturers have always been our customers, since 1874 when the bank was founded to serve local manufacturers, like Seth Thomas.”  Annually, Thomaston Savings Bank has allocated funds to help build a pipeline of skilled workers by offering a scholarship in manufacturing. “Thomaston Savings Bank is a proud supporter of small business manufacturers in our community. We are very pleased to award the $2,500 Manufacturing Education Scholarship to Jaclyn Salmon, a very deserving and hardworking NVCC student,” said Lewis.   

Salmon, a mother of three, chose NVCC because it was convenient to attend while still working a full-time at the Waterbury Police Department. She explained that she is married to a tool-worker, who inspired her to pursue a career in manufacturing. Salmon acknowledged, “I am grateful for the support of my husband and family, Thomaston Savings Bank, and the College.  My goal is to finish my program and go onto a career in aerospace.”

Students who receive certificates in Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology are qualified to work in machine technology and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing environments. The certificate provides desired work skills by combining hands-on instruction, interactive lab experiences, theory, and possible on-site manufacturing internships.  “It is vital that we create the skilled work force needed to meet the manufacturing needs of companies such as Electric Boat, Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky Aircraft, and the hundreds of smaller manufacturing companies over the next 5-10 years.  We take this as our mission and believe we are well positioned to educate, train, and then provide the skilled workers to meet the growing demand.  NVCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program stands committed to keeping manufacturing alive and well here in Connecticut for years to come,” said Joseph DeFeo, Director of NVCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center. 

NVCC has approximately 250 industry partners that support the program including Pratt & Whitney, Electric Boat, Praxair Corp, Branson, Kimberly-Clark, Memry Corp, EDAC Technologies, Stanley Engineering, and Medtronic Medical Corp. The program has a 100% job placement rate. The certificate curriculum is available at: nv.edu/amtc.  Manufacturers or potential students interested in the program can contact Deirdre D’Amore at 203-575-8014 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about NVCC’s manufacturing program in Waterbury.