Eight Naugatuck Valley Community College adult students who completed their certificate requirements were recognized on December 14. The students are enrolled in a first-of-its-kind 22-month program in Advanced Manufacturing Technology held at Henry Abbott Technical High School in Danbury. The program equips them with skills to foster career growth in the manufacturing field. NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., Provost James Troup, faculty and staff from the College along with industry partners and Abbot Tech Principal Stacy Butkus were present to commemorate the achievement. The students embarked on the journey back in August of 2015 when NVCC launched a second cohort in its Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program at Abbott Tech.

“This is a wonderful first step,” said President De Filippis in her opening remarks to students, “in getting your credentials so you can enhance your career opportunities.” 

Students who received 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. The eight students came to the program with varying job outlooks: many were underemployed, one had been working at Macy’s, another as a maintenance man.

Joseph DeFeo, program director for NVCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center explained the program helps individuals who are working on the periphery of manufacturing but don’t have the necessary skills to advance. “This certification provides the incumbent worker with the education and training to turn a job into a career,” said DeFeo.

Graduates of the program, who spent three evenings a week learning, are now prepared to work on the shop floor with knowledge in blueprint reading, manufacturing processes, CNC, and over 400 contact hours with state-of-the-art machinery.

Two students demonstrating exemplary work in the program were awarded two supplementary pre-paid classes that will enhance their ability to get better jobs.

Students who enroll in future programs may be eligible for financial aid. In addition, these certificates are Workforce Investment Act (WIA)-approved and qualify for assistance under the Veterans Retraining Programs. 

The certificate curriculum is available at www.nv.edu/DanburyManufacturing.  Manufacturers or potential students interested in the program can contact Kenneth Ordway at 203-575-8214 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 Danbury.

The Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program at Henry Abbott Technical High School is funded by the Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Initiative (CAMI). Additionally, NVCC has close to 200 industry partners that support the program including Branson, Kimberly-Clark, Memry Corporation, Stanley Engineering, and UTC.