CMC Report

December 2025 – by Al Mangels

The NESMA Technical Development Committee meeting was held virtually on December 10, 2025.

Phoebe Gonzales from CONNSTEP was welcomed as a first-time attendee, and the meeting format and expectations were reviewed . Attendees included representatives from various organizations such as Southington Tool & Manufacturing, Plainville Schools, CT Technical High School System, Acme Monaco Corporation, NESMA, and CCAT. Key attendees were Al Mangels (Chair), Phoebe Gonzales (Business Development Advisor), Lynn Davis (Plainville Schools), Jill O’Brien (Plainville Adult & Continuing Education), Larry Pomerleau (CT Technical High School System), Diane Hunter (Acme Monaco Corporation), Andrea Tarantino (NESMA), and Eileen Candels (CCAT).

In NESMA news, the NESMA Holiday Party & Annual Meeting was held December 4th – 5th with approximately 100 attendees. Community Service Awards were presented to Rich Dupont and Cyndi Zoldy of the MASC Center. On November 13th we held an Artificial Intelligence Panel Discussion featuring Dr. Amy Thompson (CCAT) and Dr. Michael Gendron (CCSU) focusing on AI literacy and its future role in manufacturing education. No formal outcomes yet; the topic will be revisited. And on November 14th, the University of New Haven – Center for Innovation & Applied Technology held an open house, highlighting a future-focused workforce development initiative emphasizing collaboration with manufacturers on curriculum, projects, and internships.

Regarding classroom training, the recommended Spring Manufacturers Institute (SMI) list of courses has been expanded to include six courses totaling 26 hours. A new course – 204 – Beams & Washers – is expected to be launched by March. This is added to Engineering and Spring Materials, Compression Springs, Extension Springs, Torsion Springs and course 304 that covers Dimensioning, Testing, and Tolerancing. Nearly 1,000 student sessions of SMI courses have been completed to date. The discussion is now focused on scheduling, course format, and integration into school programs, with input requested from educators on optimal delivery models .

Regarding hands-on training at the MASC Center in Waterbury, an equipment demonstration featuring a Pensa C64 CNC wire bender was held on November 20th, receiving positive student engagement and feedback. The next steps include curriculum development and further equipment planning after the holidays. There remains a strong potential for integration of a spring maker course into the MASC Center’s 13-week cohort-based training model .

Around the local school community, the CT Technical High School System at BTEC has completed NEASC evaluation and hired a new Precision Machining instructor. A Robotics & Automation PAC meeting is also scheduled. Challenges persist with instructor recruitment and certification timelines. Plainville Schools reports continued emphasis on job shadows, internships, and career exploration. They introduced a Transition Program (ages 18–22) for students with disabilities and is seeking host sites for supported work-based learning placements. Plainville Adult & Continuing Education has requested a guest speaker on workplace etiquette and soft skills, prompting a call for HR or industry representatives to participate. The fall semester wrap-up is underway .

Updates from CCAT include a Professional Development Opportunity that is a free PD session for educators on digital/additive manufacturing and is scheduled for December 17, 9:00–11:30 AM at CCAT (East Hartford) with limited remaining slots. It was also reported that the Manufacturing Internship Program was approved for another two-year cycle and a career fair is tentatively planned for March 31, free for manufacturers and students, including transportation support.

Some additional notes are that ReadyCT manufacturing roadshows have been renewed (dates pending), FIRST Robotics funding has increased, and the CBIA Workforce Summit is scheduled for April 2nd .

We’d like to extend best wishes for the holidays to all members of the NESMA Technical Development Committee, who have participated and served so helpfully during 2025, and we look forward to a fruitful 2026.

Many thanks for your continued support.