News

BRUNSWICK, Maine — Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), in partnership with General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (GDBIW), celebrated a major milestone in workforce development with the graduation of the 100th cohort of students from its Manufacturing Technician Training Program.

The ceremony took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 4 p.m. at SMCC’s Midcoast Campus L.L.Bean Learning Commons in Brunswick.

The intensive 120-hour, three-week program prepares students for entry-level manufacturing careers through hands-on, industry-aligned training. Since launching its first cohort on April 3, 2018, the program has trained more than 1,000 individuals across 100 cohorts, creating a direct pipeline to high-demand jobs.

“This milestone reflects the power of partnership and what can be accomplished when education and industry come together with a shared purpose,” SMCC President Kristen Miller said. “Each cohort represents individuals building meaningful careers and strengthening Maine’s workforce. We are proud to stand alongside GDBIW and our partners to create opportunities that have a lasting impact on our students, their families, and communities across the state.”

Representatives from the Maine Community College System, GDBIW, and key funding partners—including the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce and the University of Maine Advanced Manufacturing Center—joined SMCC leadership, faculty, and staff in recognizing the program’s success and continued growth.

“The success of this program is rooted in its responsiveness to industry needs and its commitment to student success,” said James Whitten, Dean of Workforce Development and Midcoast Campus at SMCC. “Reaching 100 cohorts is a testament to the dedication of our instructors, the motivation of our students, and the strength of our collaboration with GDBIW. Together, we are addressing workforce challenges while building sustainable career pathways for Maine people.”

For current students, the program offers both opportunity and transformation.

“I was surprised by the scope,” said Joseph Magliacane, a student in the program. “I didn’t think it would be quite as in-depth as it was. I came in looking for an opportunity to get into GDBIW, but now that I’m here at SMCC, it’s been a great learning experience.”

Brandon Boucher, of Brunswick, said the program has helped build both skills and confidence.

“It’s given me a good baseline and built a lot of confidence,” Boucher said. “I came in with very little manufacturing experience, and now I feel ready to take that next step and get my foot in the door at GDBIW.”

That impact is evident in GDBIW’s workforce, where program graduates are contributing at every level of production.

“The training programs through Southern Maine Community College have been a significant component of our success as we attract and retain workers to improve our production velocity for the U.S. Navy,” said Ray Steen, Vice President, Human Resources at GDBIW. “Candidates hired through the Manufacturing Technician Training Program have a strong success rate as shipbuilders. Those who graduated from the early years of the program are often now in first class skilled jobs, making vital contributions to fulfilling our mission.”

For more than a century, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works has been a cornerstone of Maine’s economy and maritime heritage. As one of the nation’s leading shipbuilders, GDBIW employs thousands of skilled workers and supports the U.S. Navy. The company is deeply embedded in the Midcoast community, investing in workforce development and education partnerships that strengthen Maine’s industrial base.

The SMCC Manufacturing Technician Training Program continues to serve as a model for innovative, employer-driven education, demonstrating how targeted training initiatives can address workforce shortages while creating meaningful opportunities for individuals and families across Maine.

Prospective students and community members are encouraged to take the next step toward a career in manufacturing by exploring SMCC’s Manufacturing Technician Training Program. Learn more and get started today at https://www.smccme.edu/academics/pathways/industrial-technology-transportation/manufacturing-technician-short-term-training/