Introduction to Manufacturing and Clean Energy Applications

Are you a hands-on learner?

Do you want to upskill and earn more in a new career?

Apply today and gain practical skills in a rapidly growing field!

APPLY FOR OUR FREE 10-WEEK HANDS-ON WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM

WHEN: SPRING 2026  

Enrollment: Now Open!
This program is 100% in person
Program Dates: March 31 - June 12, 2026 
Days & Times: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Select Fridays 5:30 - 8 p.m. 
Duration: 10-week hands-on training  (90 hrs total) 

Please see the full schedule below.

WHERE

Offered through Holyoke Community College (HCC), this program will take place at these two locations:

Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at Dean Technical High School
Room: Manufacturing Workshop
Address:  1045 Main St, Holyoke, MA 01040

Select Fridays at Holyoke Community College Campus
Room: Kittredge Center (KC) Room tbd
Address: 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040

WHAT

Learn the skills and knowledge you need to enter the fields of Manufacturing and Clean Energy! In this free, 10-week/90-hr, hands-on workforce training program, develop foundational manufacturing skills, including industry safety (OSHA 10), shop math, industrial blueprint reading, measurement with gauges, calipers, and micrometers, quality control, as well as metal-parts production with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machines. Learn how these skills can be applied to the advanced manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries and car parts, solar photovoltaic panels, turbines, and other clean energy systems to improve performance and efficiency. Gain job readiness training, 1:1 career counseling, and connections to employers, paid apprenticeships, and advanced manufacturing training. This program prepares graduates to enter the field as an Apprentice Machinist.

START YOUR NEW CAREER WITH THESE FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS:

  • OSHA 10 General Industry Workplace Safety Credentials
  • Industrial Blueprint Reading
  • Shop Math
  • Metrology (machining measurement with gauges, calipers, micrometers)
  • CNC Milling Machining (fundamentals)
  • Clean Energy Applications
  • Job Readiness Skills
  • Quality Control
  • Process Planning                                                                                                                                                                    

ELIGIBILITY

  • 18+ yrs of age and authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED/HiSET
  • Willing and able to seek employment in manufacturing or clean energy fields                                                                                                    
  • Able to start PT/FT work following training
  • Participate in 1:1 Career Counseling during & after the program; up to 1 yr   
  • Participate in intake exams and interviews
  • Pass a sex offender background check (SORI)

Space is limited to 15 people. Applications are reviewed in order of submission. Apply soon!

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

ORIENTATION WEEK: March 31 - April 2, 2026 @ HCC
Tuesday, March 31 - Orientation, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1st - Resume Workshop I, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 2nd - Resume Workshop II, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

*Orientation and resume workshops are mandatory for all students, depending on resume review. Students will not be able to progress in the course unless this requirement is met.

All classes below are held 5:30 - 8 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

APPLY TODAY

WEEK 1: April 6, 7 & 9

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: Manufacturing Class @ Dean Tech

WEEK 2: April 13, 14, 16 & 17

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: Manufacturing Class @ Dean Tech
Friday:  Career & Life Skills Class @ HCC

WEEK 3:  April 22 & 23 

*No Manufacturing Classes This Week
Wednesday & Thursday: Career & Life Skills Class @ HCC

WEEK 4: April 27, 28 & 30

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: Manufacturing Class @ Dean Tech

WEEK 5: May 4, 5, 7 & 8

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: Manufacturing Class @ Dean Tech
Friday: Career & Life Skills Class @ HCC

WEEK 6: May 11, 12, 14 & 15

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: Manufacturing Class @ Dean Tech
Friday: Career & Life Skills Class @ HCC

WEEK 7: May 18, 19 & 21 

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: Manufacturing Class @ Dean Tech

WEEK 8: May 26, 27*, 28 & 29

Monday: Memorial Day - NO CLASS
Tuesday & Thursday: Manufacturing Class @ Dean Tech
*Wednesday: Possible Manufacturing Class @ Dean Tech
Friday: Career & Life Skills Class @ HCC

WEEK 9: June 1, 2 & 4

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: Manufacturing Class @ Dean Tech

WEEK 10: 8, 9, 11 & 12

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: Manufacturing Class @ Dean Tech
Friday: Graduation @ HCC

APPLY TODAY

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

This program prepares graduates to become an Apprentice Machinist. While the training does not guarantee employment/apprenticeship placement, you’ll receive training in resume and cover letter writing, job application and interview preparation, as well communication and collaboration skills. You’ll also be connected to employers, trade apprenticeships, and advanced training opportunities, helping you embark on an exciting new career! 

Next Step Careers (with more advanced training):                    

  • CNC Operator         
  • Quality Control Technician                   
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • CNC Programmer                                 
  • Tool and Die Maker
  • Product Tester                                      
  • Industrial Engineer                          
  • Product Engineer

APPLY TODAY

MORE INFORMATION

Mike Blasco, Career Development Counselor
mblasco@hcc.edu
413.552.2802, Ext. 2802