Anything labeled as “FREE” must be too good to be true, right? Like, there must be some sort of a catch. Well, here at the AMTEP, we’re proud to say that there’s no catch when it comes to our free advanced manufacturing training on the North Shore of Massachusetts. 

However, we do believe that by offering free training courses, we can support our industry in a mutually beneficial way. Individuals entering the job market or seeking a career change can receive no-cost professional training, and the industry has access to the next generation of a pre-trained manufacturing workforce.

So, today, let’s dig into what exactly AMTEP and the NAMC are and explore further why we offer free/no-cost manufacturing training for job seekers in Massachusetts.

What Is AMTEP?

The NAMC (Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium) was established as an initiative set forth to promote sustained growth and support for the manufacturing industry in northeastern Massachusetts. 

As leaders in academia, local workforce development, and the manufacturing industry, we found it essential to offer consistent support for this crucial piece of the region’s economy. In this effort, the NAMC has grown into a coalition of public and private organizations, all seeking to leverage the necessary funding and resources to provide our no-cost training programs.

AMTEP (Advanced Manufacturing Training Expansion Program) is part of the NAMC, specializing in offering free advanced manufacturing training in the North Shore area of Massachusetts.

Why Do We Offer Free Manufacturing Training?

Let’s revisit why the AMTEP has chosen to offer free advanced manufacturing training programs. By offering no-cost training, we can effectively put forth initiatives that benefit trainees, employers, and the industry as a whole. These benefits include:

Individual or Trainee Benefits

While there are certainly a lucky few individuals who know exactly what career they want and how to pursue it, this necessarily isn’t always the case. Finding a successful career path can be difficult and frustrating, especially for those currently unemployed or underemployed. In addition, for those entering the job market after high school, the process can be overwhelming. 

By offering no-cost, accessible training programs at local schools and facilities, these individuals can receive a top-notch manufacturing education complete with hands-on learning. Through these experiences, trainees gain confidence and an advantage when entering the workforce.

Employer Benefits

It’s no secret that the key to running a successful business lies within your workforce. The training programs provided by the NAMC/AMTEP are designed to help create the next generation of skilled advanced manufacturing employees.

Upon completion, manufacturing employers have the ability to recruit and hire entry-level professionals who already have foundational training in their chosen fields. Not only does this provide organizations with an educated hiring pool, but it also delivers individuals who are hungry, motivated, and excited to get started–a priceless asset.

Manufacturing Industry Benefits

These individual and employer benefits all tie into our overall goal of supporting the manufacturing industry (and our regional economy). When employees make their way onto the manufacturing floor, armed with the latest technical know-how, we can further progress the industry into the future.

As such, we can maintain steady industry growth. As older generations of manufacturing professionals retire, our free programs can help groom the next generation of workers. Followed by the next generation and then the generation after that–these free programs help support that stable industry health.

What Free Manufacturing Training Programs Are Offered By AMTEP/NAMC?

You might be wondering, “so, what are these amazing free manufacturing programs?”. Well, you have come to the right place! Below, you’ll find brief breakdowns of the various free training programs for various career paths in the manufacturing industry.

CNC Machine Operator Training

In the CNC Machine Operator Training program, students will learn the basics of becoming a CNC Machine Operator, including:

  • Operating CNC Mills and Lathes
  • Blueprint Reading
  • An Intro to G-Code 
  • And Geometric Dimensioning

In addition, students will work towards obtaining their NIMS CNC Milling and Lathe Certification. Program lengths depend on the season and regional area, such as:

  • The North Shore (AMTEP): 
    • Spring & Fall Programs (415 hours): evening and Saturday classes.
    • Summer Program (310 hours): daytime summer classes.
  • Metro North, Lowell, and Merrimack Valley (NAMC):
    • Winter Programs (310 hours): evenings

Welding Training

As our Welding Training Program meets all American Welding Society (AWS) Guidelines, trainees will leave the program with an AWS certification and an OSHA 10 general industry card–quite the jumpstart.

In addition, the program covers welding basics, such as:

  • Oxygen Fuel Cutting 
  • Oxygen Acetylene
  • Shielded Metal Arc 
  • Gas Tungsten
  • Arc Welding 
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding 
  • Blueprint Reading 
  • Metal Fabrication
  • And much more

Electronic Technician Training

This 300-hour program offered in Lowell, MA, allows students to learn the basics of becoming an Electronic Technician, including DC & AC theory, hands-on lab experience, and J-STD-001 Soldering. Trainees leave the program with certifications in Soldering from IPC and AC & DC from the Electronic Technician Association (ETA).

Electro-Mechanical Assembly Training

This 210-hour training program offered on the North Shore of Massachusetts guides trainees through the basics of Electro-Mechanical Assembly. Here, students will the foundations of:

  • Assembly Hand Tools
  • Print Reading
  • Measurements
  • Oscilloscopes
  • Crimping
  • Torquing
  • Micrometers

Trainees will also take part in basic electrical theory and lab, providing hands-on experience in the electromechanical field.

COMING SOON: Robotics Training

The Robotics Training Programs introduce trainees to the technologies used in progressive modern manufacturing. Here, trainees can learn the fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) programs. These programs allow robotics professionals the ability to operate in-class robots.

Alongside online modules, Robotics Training allows students to go hands-on with training equipment, preparing them for their robotics career path. Students will also learn how to set up, program, run, and troubleshoot various pieces of automatic equipment and industrial robots. 

COMING SOON: Quality Control Inspector Training

Students who take part in Quality Control Inspector Training Programs will obtain a foundational understanding of:

  • Metrology Concepts
  • Quality Management Systems
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Data Analysis
  • Problem Solving
  • Compliance
  • Lean Manufacturing

In addition, those who successfully complete the program qualify for the American Society of Quality (ASQ) certification exam. 

How To Enroll In NAMC Training In Eastern Massachusetts

Are you ready to jumpstart your new career? Then, head to our advanced manufacturing free training programs page to view more information about the various career paths. And you’ll also find a comprehensive list of upcoming programs, including course start dates, class days, locations (including virtual training), and more.