With one of the most outstanding advanced manufacturing technology training centers in the state, Housatonic Community College (HCC) celebrated Manufacturing Month with a series of exciting happenings last month, including a new partnership with FuelCell Energy in Torrington, CT.

HCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (AMTC) is a pipeline for the state’s manufacturing industry, Connecticut’s third largest sector. With training designed to respond to specific employer-driven manufacturing needs, HCC’s AMTC program prepares students to join Connecticut's manufacturing community of over 4,400 companies.

Throughout the month of October, the AMTC participated in a series of activities that expanded its understanding of anticipated employer needs, increased industry awareness of the Center’s resources and shaped students’ views of their future.

Students from HCC’s AMTC Program toured FuelCell Energy’s manufacturing facility in Torrington, CT. A global leader in fuel cell technology, the firm uses its proprietary, state-of-the-art fuel cell platforms to enable clean energy. A new partnership between FuelCell Energy and HCC provides the firm with a direct connection to highly-skilled manufacturing workers.

“Advanced manufacturing skills are critical to the future of clean energy” said Jason Few, president and chief executive officer of FuelCell Energy. “FuelCell Energy is proud of the opportunity we create for high tech manufacturing jobs here in the State of Connecticut and our partnership with Housatonic Community College is an important talent pipeline to help lead a sustainable energy transition.”

“At the visit to FuelCell Energy, our students witnessed the application of the state-of-the-art skills they are learning in our classroom. They observed how their practical hands-on experience is well preparing them for their future,” said HCC Instructor Adam Scobie.

Sergey Schelkunov, a recent graduate of the AMTC program from North Branford, discovered how well he was prepared for the job market when he received multiple job offers prior to graduation.

“They train us very well, it was intense, but because of that I feel very prepared. I start as a CNC operator in a new position in November and I’m looking forward to the work being steady,” said Schelkunov.

Also during the month, Young Manufacturers, a group that provides an environment for future leaders in manufacturing to grow and learn from each other, toured HCC’s AMTC facility. Additionally, to learn the needs of the manufacturing community, AMTC hosted an Industry Advisory Committee meeting with local industry partners and manufacturing educators. Decisions on skills training and equipment purchases are shaped by these partner discussions.

Finally, professors from HCC’s AMTC participated in a manufacturing panel with Junior Achievement. The panel showcased the careers and opportunities that manufacturing can provide to high school students from Bridgeport and Ansonia.

“Inventions such as helicopters, submarines and televisions are tied to Connecticut’s manufacturing industry. Housatonic’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center is meeting the demands of today’s employers, shaping our students for long-lasting and lucrative careers,” said Kristy Jelenik, Executive Director of the Housatonic Community College Foundation.

To learn more about HCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center program, contact Felisha Guirand-Fleurimond at  or call 203-332-5975. To learn more about the Housatonic Community College Foundation and how you can support scholars, please visit www.housatonic.edu or call 203-332-5078.