Tech precision machine shop receives an equipment boost

LYNN – New machinery valued at $101,712 has arrived at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, pushing the school’s precision machine shop into the 21st century.The equipment was funded through the state’s Industry Training Capital Equipment grant program, designed to expand support of workforce training and education programs at career technical high schools and community colleges. The program is funding large-scale grants for the purchase of equipment to prepare students for careers in high-demand industries, such as advanced manufacturing, information technology, hospitality and mechanical and technical skills.Housing and Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki announced the funding for Lynn Tech in December.”Training students for careers in today’s competitive workforce requires providing schools with cutting-edge equipment to help them succeed,” said Bialecki. “Through this funding, we are strengthening the training program at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute and enhancing the competitiveness of our manufacturing industry for generations to come.”With new equipment, students of both Lynn Tech and E-Team Machinist Job Training Program – a free evening program – will learn to operate machining systems using cutting-edge technologies used in today’s modern workforce.”We are absolutely thrilled with the support that Secretary Bialecki has given us,” said Superintendent Dr. Catherine C. Latham. “This much-needed equipment will benefit not only the students of the Lynn Tech precision machining program but the adults who attend our evening program. Secretary Bialecki is obviously well aware of the jobs for highly skilled workers in the manufacturing industry and the need for our students to be prepared to take those jobs.”The new pieces – a Haas Automation milling station and two other smaller milling stations that are computer numerically controlled (CNC) – arrived at the school on June 23 and will replace equipment that had been in the shop since the 1960s.”They’re industry-standard now,” said E-Team Program Director Tony Dunn. “Everyone wants to hire workers who use CNC equipment. It’s a quantum leap, putting us in the 21st century and making students that much more marketable.””This a great day for our machine shop,” said Lynn Tech Principal Robert Buontempo. “It’s a step in the right direction and will be exciting for the kids when we welcome them back in the fall.”