Nassau County, New York is where manufacturers like Nordon Composite Technologies make the most of composite materials. The Long Island county is also home to a new training program that will connect 100 unemployed or underemployed workers with opportunities in composite manufacturing. “This exciting new program,” announced Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, “will train students with hands-on composite manufacturing skills and assist program graduates with finding employment in the field.”
At the time of the announcement, Mangano was accompanied by program partners from the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL), the Long Island Forum for Technology (LIFT), and the Composite Prototyping Center (CPC). Recently, CSTL received a $440,000 grant from the Toyota USA Foundation, which is committed to supporting America’s manufacturing sector. “By helping students discover their interest in manufacturing careers now,” said Michael Rouse, President of the Toyota USA Foundation, “we can cultivate their talents.”
The new composite manufacturing initiative for Nassau County youth is open to career candidates who are 19 to 25 years old, have already obtained a high school diploma or GED, and are committed to this training pathway. CSTL, a non-profit organization that seeks to advance STEM education, is answering inquiries from potential participants and can be reached at (516) 764-0045.
Each year, Nassau County partners with CSTL to host the Nassau County Science Competition – the only countywide science competition in New York State. The composite manufacturing initiative is an especially good fit for Nassau County, and local companies have already committed to hiring program graduates. In addition to Nordon Composite Technologies, county employers in composite manufacturing include Precipart, Curtiss Wright-Target Rock, and Photonics Industries.
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