– Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, a national leader in specialized technical training for nearly 80 years, has announced the return of career training for manufacturing and machining at its campus in Mahwah.
Starting in September, students will be able to earn a certificate in advanced manufacturing with robotics, working on equipment provided by global leader Haas Automation. The field is projected to add hundreds of jobs statewide in the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, with qualified technicians available for just a fraction of that number.
The return of Lincoln Tech’s manufacturing program at the Mahwah campus was spurred by demand from employers seeking job candidates and from students eager to explore a tech-driven, in-demand career path.
“Robotic integration has become a key factor in modern manufacturing processes,” said Scott Shaw, Lincoln Tech’s president and CEO. “Equipment in today’s facilities requires operators with unique programming skills, and Lincoln Tech is proud to now offer enhanced training that helps students build those skills. We thank Haas for continuing to support our program and our students, and we look forward to helping New Jersey manufacturers build their workforces in the years ahead.”
Lincoln Tech’s program trains future advanced manufacturing professionals with the skills to program, operate and maintain computerized (CNC) milling and turning machines. Students also learn to read and interpret blueprints, perform precision measurements and operate robotic systems used in automated manufacturing environments. Throughout the program, students will test for industry certifications through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and receive CNC programming training with MasterCam software.
“The advanced manufacturing program at Lincoln Tech offers a deep dive into precision metal work, computerized machining and digital manufacturing,” said Jeff Hager, a program instructor at the Mahwah campus. “The skills learned here are the perfect starting point for a beginner or an upgrade for someone already in the trade.”
Several growing industries in the Northern New Jersey and upstate New York areas rely on CNC manufacturing and machining equipment. They turn to schools like Lincoln Tech to identify new technicians with the skills to operate these highly specialized machines. These industries include Aerospace and automotive manufacturing, metal fabrication shops, tool and die manufacturers, industrial equipment suppliers, advanced prototyping centers and more.
“Automation is the future of manufacturing,” said Hager. “The technology exists and is rapidly advancing. However, the number of people qualified to apply it to manufacturing is dwindling due to an aging workforce and lack of training opportunities. Lincoln Tech’s program is designed specifically to address that lack of opportunity.”
Lincoln Tech graduate Alec Tomasula began his career at Allendale Machinery after completing his training at Mahwah. He now works for Thorlabs, a company specializing in lasers and optoelectronics, in his hometown of Newton.
“[At] Lincoln Tech, everything was right there,” said Tomasula. “It felt like a real shop, where all the different trades worked together. When we got to the robotics [component], I knew I made the right decision. We worked with universal collaborative arms, and that hands-on experience actually got me my first job (at Allendale).”
The advanced manufacturing with robotics program at Mahwah is now enrolling students for its upcoming September start. The Mahwah campus, which has served students and employers across the area for more than 25 years, also provides career training for the automotive, electrical, HVAC and welding fields.
