Partnership with Vermont Technical College Office of Continuing Education & Workforce Development
Vermont Business Magazine GE a world leader in providing aircraft engines, systems and avionics, with a location in Rutland, Vermont, announces that its GE Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Programs graduated 41 apprentices in toolmaking, electrical maintenance, and mechanical maintenance on August 26, 2022.
The graduation took place at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel. Patricia Moulton, executive director of Vermont State Colleges System’s workforce development division, was the keynote speaker. Jeffrey Higgins, EdD, professor and Director of External Degree Programs at Vermont Technical College, was the guest speaker.
“Our graduates gained so much from GE’s apprenticeship programs, but they also gave back to GE,” Dr. Higgins said. “Apprenticeship capstone projects accounted for more than $3M in plant efficiencies. Those savings don’t include what we call cascading benefits, things difficult to monetize such as freeing up technician time to work on more projects, increasing safety for employees, improving quality, and increasing employee morale.”
GE Manufacturing Technician Apprentice Program graduates earned 20 – 40 college credits, depending upon the program in which they are enrolled, and many are continuing on to Vermont Technical College for the associate and bachelor’s degrees in their respective fields.
“A strong manufacturing base is critical to Vermont’s present and future. As manufacturing jobs move from low-tech to high-skill, training the manufacturing workforce will be increasingly important. Building a strong program for workforce development is essential. This program is a sterling example of that,” said Patricia Moulton.
“I was determined to get into this program, and thankfully I was selected. I learned a lot in the Vermont Technical College classes – they really helped to lay the foundation. It has been a long road to get where I am today, but I am grateful I did it this way. I believe my time in the program will help me be a more effective engineer in the future, “ said Jim Wark, forge manufacturing engineer at GE Aerospace Rutland and a graduate of the apprenticeship program.
In addition to the GE Aviation Apprenticeship Programs, Vermont Technical College also directs the GW Plastics/Nolato Manufacturing Technology Leadership Program, the GS Precision Advanced Machinist Program, and the GlobalFoundries Maintenance Technician Apprentice Program.
About GE
GE is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components, integrated digital, avionics, electrical power and mechanical systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft.
About Vermont Technical College
Vermont Technical College is a small public college with big outcomes. We offer technical education in a range of fields, including agriculture, computer sciences, engineering, health and life sciences, and professional studies. Students may earn bachelor's and associate degrees as well as certificates at any of our two residential campuses in Randolph Center and Williston, and 18 satellite campuses across the state. We rank #1 in Vermont and in the 96th percentile nationally for return on investment of tuition dollars. Graduates obtain careers in their field of study with an annual placement rate of 99-100%. On July 1, 2023, Vermont Technical College will join with Castleton University and Northern Vermont University to become Vermont State University, a reimagined higher education institution building on the strong legacies of its founding institutions. Learn more at VTC.edu.
9.27.2022. Rutland, VT – Vermont Technical College
