Jay Fallon is the coordinator of the Advanced Manufacturing Precision Machining Program.

Manufacturing has gone high tech. Northern Essex Community College recognizes this and in response has designed a new degree to train workers for employment in this high demand career.

Beginning in the fall, Northern Essex will offer an Associate of Science degree in Engineering Science Advanced Manufacturing Precision Machining. Northern Essex already offers a certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Precision Machining. The first year of the associate degree essentially mirrors the certificate.

The associate degree is designed to train individuals on certain unique skills that manufacturing businesses currently require, said Jay Fallon, program coordinator.

“There are manufacturing jobs sitting idle because companies can’t find trained workers,” Fallon said.

Both the certificate and degrees programs prepare individuals to be job ready, he said. Students will receive hands-on training on modern, computerized machining equipment at either Greater Lawrence Technical School in Andover or Whittier Regional Vocational High School in Haverhill. Classes, including English composition, engineering design graphics, 3D printing, programming of CNC equipment, and computer aided drafting, will be held on the Northern Essex campus. Instructors work in or have experience in a modern manufacturing environment.

Today, manufacturers use technology to create innovative solutions to problems and processes. This associate program is ideal for individuals with strong analytic, mechanical, and technical skills, said Fallon.

While the certificate prepares students for an associate degree. The associate degree prepares students to enter a bachelor’s degree program in engineering at a four-year college or university.

Graduates of the program will be able to pursue jobs as machinists, cell leaders, precision machining technicians, engineering assistants, and manufacturing specialists.

For additional information on the Engineering Science Advanced Manufacturing Precision Machining Associate of Science Degree or certificate program, contact Fallon at jfallon@necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3371.

Northern Essex offers associate degrees in engineering science and engineering science: technology option that prepare you for a career or transfer to a four-year institution. All technology and engineering program information can be found here.