Ten McCann Students Achieve State Certification By Jack Guerino, iBerkshires Staff
09:32PM / Thursday, June 19, 2014 | |
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Ten McCann students received Massachusetts Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative certificates. The students were the only students in the state to pass the test.
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Ten McCann Technical School students received Massachusetts Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative certificates Thursday morning for excellence in Machine Technology and Manufacturing.
Machine Technology instructor Tom Metuszak said the state-developed test challenges students and allows them to receive credits toward an associate's degree in manufacturing technology. He said that students can reach a new level every year they take the test and pass; 10 McCann students out of the 27 students in the program reached level one.
Metuszak said the test represents an employer-led statewide effort to standardize manufacturing technology testing.
“The state recognizes the fact that there is a shortage in manufacturing, and they are trying to come up with a standardized way for schools to make sure everyone is on the same page,” Metuszak said.
Principal Justin Kratz congratulated the students for their achievement and urged them to not take the certificate lightly.
“It is an exciting time to be in this field right now, and walking out of this school with these kinds of certifications gives you a huge advantage competitively in getting into college or a job,” Kratz said.
The test was only meant to act as a pretest for McCann to see where the school ranked. Metuszak said that the proctor of the test informed him that there were no passing students in the two other schools he administered the test in.
Superintendent James Brosnan told the students he was proud of their accomplishment and achieving something other schools could not.
“This should be a source of pride for all of you and your instructors,” Brosnan said. “Congratulations. This is a great achievement.”
Brosnan added that this certification not only helps the students but also the school.
“Every time we apply for these grants … they recognize achievements like this,” he said. “ You are the result of what the piece of equipment is to someone who is reading the grant.”
Student Nicholas Lillie said the test can really help students who are looking toward the future
“It’s great for the school because it helps students get a foot in the door when it comes to college or a career in the field,” Lillie said.
Student Matt Richardson also sees great value in the certification.
“It challenges us and gives us something to work for,” Richardson said. “We get certificates that say we know what we are doing.”
The McCann administration see this testing as a new cornerstone in education. Metuszak said he is going to focus more on the test next year so even more students can reach level one certification and the original 10 can reach level two.
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