Chamber Partners with Monty Tech to Promote Manufacturing

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its economic development affiliate the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation hosted a manufacturing bus tour on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, for 46 students and chaperones from Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School as part of their efforts to promote careers in manufacturing and highlight the importance of manufacturing to North Central Massachusetts.

Attendees on the tour visited NyproMold in Clinton and WestRock in Devens, where they were able to get an insider’s look at how these manufacturers operate as well as learn about the growing employment opportunities in manufacturing and the necessary skill-sets needed.

“We were excited to work with some of our local manufacturers and Monty Tech to get these students into these businesses and see the opportunity that is right here in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, president & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “We are continually looking for new ways to promote this important industry sector to the next generation that will be quickly entering the workforce.”

With over 440 firms, North Central Massachusetts boasts the largest concentration of manufacturing in the state.  Fully one-third of all private wages paid in the region are from manufacturing jobs.  Companies range from the world class plastics industry cluster, to pharmaceuticals, photonics, paper, and biomedical devices.

Manufacturers today are some of the most well-paid, highly trained and in demand employees in the workforce, working on advanced equipment and technology.  However, many manufacturers have been challenged recruiting the workers they need.  Despite the high wage potential and increasing employer demand, there is both a need for more young workers and a skills gap among an existing and a transitioning workforce.

For more information on the manufacturing bus tours, please contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600.