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NVCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Program is a Family Affair

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NVCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Program is a Family Affair
In 2015, Patricio Silva enrolled in the Manufacturing Program at Naugatuck Valley Community College. His plan was to learn about automated manufacturing so that he could take this skill back to Ecuador where his parents ran a manufacturing company.  When he graduated from the program, he had a great appreciation for what he had learned. The very next semester he encouraged his oldest son Emilio to attend. Emilio graduated in 2016 and was quickly employed full-time through the internship program coordinated by NVCC’s Manufacturing team. The company noted his skills and within a few months offered him the opportunity to move to their South Carolina location.  

Six years later, a young man enrolled in the manufacturing program at NVCC to follow in his father and older brother’s footsteps. Nicolas Silva, the youngest son, is now in the program and excelling.  Anthony DiFederico, an instructor of Business and Industry in NVCC’s manufacturing program, has been the lead instructor for all three Silvas. He commented, “Having taught all three Silvas was awesome. I couldn't have imagined this to happen. Pat Silva was enthusiastic and very determined to learn about manufacturing. Later his older son, Emilio enrolled here at AMTC. He was just like his dad, an excellent student who was fun to teach. Emilio wasn't sure about manufacturing, but later learned he was pretty good with machines. He is doing incredibly well in the manufacturing industry now.”  In fact, Emilio recently spoke with DiFederico about a job offer he had received in Tampa, Florida, telling him it was a dream come true offer. “We both agreed he must take it,” DiFederico said, “Emilio works with multi axis CNC Swiss machines and has become proficient with them.” 

Instructor DiFederico was excited about having taught both father and son; then came son number two, who is as excellent a student as both his father and his older brother. DiFederico reported that “He has a great attitude, and he works hard. Nick is doing very well in class. I feel blessed to have another chance with a Silva. Recently I shared with Nick that manufacturing was also a family affair for me. I hope to hear from Nick when he ventures out into the manufacturing industry. I appreciate their father’s trusting me with his son’s professional direction. I would also like to compliment both Patrick and his wife for raising such great men. I am very proud of them.” 

If you or a member of your family would like to learn more about the Manufacturing program at NVCC, please contact Deirdre D’Amore at 203-575-8014 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 


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