BRUNSWICK, Maine听鈥� 星空无限传媒 (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.
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鈥檚 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.
鈥淭his milestone reflects the power of partnership and what can be accomplished when education and industry come together with a shared purpose,鈥� SMCC President Kristen Miller said. 鈥淓ach cohort represents individuals building meaningful careers and strengthening Maine鈥檚 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.鈥�
Representatives from the Maine Community College System, GDBIW, and key funding partners鈥攊ncluding the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine鈥檚 Workforce and the University of Maine Advanced Manufacturing Center鈥攋oined SMCC leadership, faculty, and staff in recognizing the program鈥檚 success and continued growth.
鈥淭he success of this program is rooted in its responsiveness to industry needs and its commitment to student success,鈥� said James Whitten, Dean of Workforce Development and Midcoast Campus at SMCC. 鈥淩eaching 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.鈥�
For current students, the program offers both opportunity and transformation.
鈥淚 was surprised by the scope,鈥� said Joseph Magliacane, a student in the program. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 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鈥檓 here at SMCC, it鈥檚 been a great learning experience.鈥�
Brandon Boucher, of Brunswick, said the program has helped build both skills and confidence.
鈥淚t鈥檚 given me a good baseline and built a lot of confidence,鈥� Boucher said. 鈥淚 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.鈥�
That impact is evident in GDBIW鈥檚 workforce, where program graduates are contributing at every level of production.
鈥淭he training programs through 星空无限传媒 have been a significant component of our success as we attract and retain workers to improve our production velocity for the U.S. Navy,鈥� said Ray Steen, Vice President, Human Resources at GDBIW. 鈥淐andidates 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.鈥�
For more than a century, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works has been a cornerstone of Maine鈥檚 economy and maritime heritage. As one of the nation鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 Manufacturing Technician Training Program. Learn more and get started today at听/academics/pathways/industrial-technology-transportation/manufacturing-technician-short-term-training/