Hitchiner Manufacturing Helps to Train Students for Jobs in Manufacturing

A new job training program for Milford High School students is helping to train the next generation of workers in the Granite State. The Manufacturing Exploration and Externship program was developed over months of collaboration with Hitchiner Manufacturing, Spraying Systems of Merrimack, and the teachers and administrators of Milford High School. The course aims to give students the skills they need to gain a job in manufacturing.

Training Leads to Real Jobs in Manufacturing

“Developing New Hampshire’s future workforce is something we have always believed is important and worth investing in,” said Chairman and CEO of Hitchiner Manufacturing, John H. Morison III. “With our planned expansion, there are many opportunities on the horizon for young people seeking a career in manufacturing, and this program will help get them there."

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One highlight of the Manufacturing Exploration and Externship program is that students will get paid to gain hands-on experience at either Hitchiner or Spraying Systems, earning $12 an hour for their work. The students will spend part of their time working and part of the day in the classroom, gaining the knowledge they will need to be successful in a manufacturing job. As an added benefit to students, they can also earn seven college credits through the Community College System of New Hampshire.

Manufacturing Skills Are in High Demand

Because of New Hampshire's low unemployment rate and aging population, young workers are in high demand. Other job programs in the state put high school students inside local businesses for job skills training, but this program stands out for its depth of instruction. It's among the first of its kind in the state and offers a significant opportunity to Milford's students not just at these companies, but throughout the manufacturing industry.

Richard Paiva, Director of Technical Studies at Milford High School, said the school is always looking for new ways to get students on the path toward a career. Working with local companies to do this was a win-win situation, he said.

"Milford High School & Applied Technology Center has always had a long-standing relationship with our local industry partners, and this just made sense," said Paiva.

The program is now underway with an enrollment of roughly 20 high school juniors and seniors interested in a job in manufacturing. The program complements the existing machining and engineering programs at the school. It includes instruction of techniques and procedures used today in advanced manufacturing facilities, such as safety, quality control, and robotics. In particular, it will focus on three main areas of manufacturing: just-in-time manufacturing, mass production, and custom manufacturing. 

To maximize the time that these students spend in this career readiness program, instruction also includes job skills essential to landing that first job, such as interview skills, resume writing, and expectations of behavior on the job.

Hitchiner's History of Job Training

Hitchiner has long been dedicated to training young workers and developing their skills to set them on a long-term career path. This program ensures that students will learn not only the skills that are important on the manufacturing floor but sets expectations for the job market. Building a successful career is about making connections to those throughout your chosen industry, and Hitchiner is happy to introduce these students to our dedicated team and show them through example what an innovative and cooperative workplace looks like.

If you would like more information about the Manufacturing Exploration and Externship program, or other job training programs offered through Hitchiner Manufacturing, click here.