Finding the right balance between maintaining your current life, working to pay the bills, and returning to school to secure a better future is notoriously challenging. Life, family and school can be a lot to manage, especially when looking to gain needed skills to change careers or gain employment in a field like the growing manufacturing industry. That’s where AMTEP’s free training classes come into play.

The Advanced Manufacturing Training Expansion Program (AMTEP) in Massachusetts is designed specifically for people walking this exact tightrope. Here are four distinct ways AMTEP fits into the daily juggle of life, work, and school. 

Zero-Cost Access to Manufacturing Training

Traditional technical training programs or college classes can quickly become pricey and lead to debt. AMTEP’s training program is FREE through the Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium. 

Imagine learning a skill in classes specifically designed for the manufacturing industry, at no cost! AMTEP’s no-cost training strongly supports individuals exploring manufacturing career pathways in fields such as CNC Machining, Robotics, Welding, and Electromechanical Assembly.

Flexible Evening, Weekend, and Seasonal Schedules

Most adults can not afford to quit their day jobs to take classes or enroll in training sessions to “get ahead” or complete a career change. AMTEP classes are conveniently scheduled to respect full-time employment by offering classes at night, on weekends and rotating classes each season. 

During the summer, AMTEP offers an intensive daytime program for those who want to complete it quickly and secure employment by the fall. Choose the schedule that fits best with your current employment, childcare or family schedule. 

Courses to Bridge the Gap 

AMTEP’s curriculum is robust, featuring 250–270 hours of hands-on machining experience, 50–60 hours of essential math and advanced machining techniques, and 5–20 hours of specialized CAD/CAM training. Whether you are looking to sharpen your skills or pivot to a rewarding, future-proof career, AMTEP provides the tools and training you need to succeed.

However, if it has been many years (or decades) since you last took classes, AMTEP has a solution. The program has built-in essential “foundation courses” through North Shore Community College. They ease students back into the rhythm of school with refresher math and study skills classes, as well as English language support for those who need it. There is no need to spend extra time or money taking prerequisites elsewhere, as AMTEP integrates this academic runway directly into the training journey. 

Job Placement Services 

Graduating from a training program is only half the battle. Now comes the hard part of securing employment. AMTEP offers access to job placement specialists who help graduates create and submit resumes to many of the region’s top manufacturing organizations. Since AMTEP serves as a direct bridge to local and regional employers seeking skilled workers, we boast an 85% job placement rate and an average starting wage of roughly $21.50/hour. 

Balancing personal, professional, and educational goals is a challenge, but the right support system makes it achievable. From providing cost-free training and flexible, adult-friendly schedules to integrating essential foundation courses and comprehensive job placement services, AMTEP offers a streamlined pathway into the manufacturing industry. Now is a great time to gain the skills needed for a stable, rewarding career. Visit the AMTEP website today to explore the diverse training opportunities available across the North Shore and take the first step toward a brighter professional future.