Brentwood High School Students Forge A Path Toward Manufacturing

(Flashback to May 2024) Yesterday, seven local manufacturing companies – Allendale Machinery Systems, SDP/SI Mechanical Components, QTC Metric Gears, QBC Bearings – Designatronics, GSE DYNAMICS, INC., 21st Century Machine Tools, Oerlikon Metco, Sensaras, and Thuro Metal Products, Inc. – came together for an inspiring event. We gathered to celebrate the achievements of Brentwood High School students who have been blazing an extraordinary path toward their futures while still in high school. These students have been attending classes at Suffolk Community College during nights and weekends, all while completing their high school diplomas. 🎓

This incredible initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of various individuals and organizations. Huge thanks to Brentwood High School students for their commitment, the instructors and guidance counselors at Brentwood H.S., Laura Galleta of Suffolk County Community College, the devoted instructors at the college, and Ignite Long Island for their invaluable support in bridging the gap between education and industry. As David Thuro, co-Chairperson of the Board of Ignite, rightly said, “Our workforce is aging, and we very much need to develop new sources of talent for Long Island based manufacturing companies.”

But how did all of this unfold in less than 6 months?

The answer lies in the incredible support from the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB), which provided scholarship opportunities for this training. With funding in place, representatives from Brentwood High School, Suffolk Community College, and Industry came together, offering 22 Brentwood High School students a tour of the training center and the chance to interact with engineers and CNC programmers at a local company. 11 students committed to attend this program.

The program, spanning a semester, entails classes twice a week in the evening and every other Saturday at Suffolk Community College’s Center for Manufacturing. Here, students delve into the basics of CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) programming and machining. The results speak volumes – all 11 students have passed the rigorous exam through NIMS (National Institute of Metal Working Standards), certifying their competency and mastery of the curriculum.

This endeavor is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing local needs with national significance.

A special shout-out to Michael Whelan, an Instructor, as well as Jacob Mulderig, an Engineering and Industrial Arts Instructor at Brentwood H.S. and President of the LITEEA, for their outstanding contributions in guiding and mentoring these students toward success.

Congratulations to the students, educators, and industry partners involved! Your dedication is shaping the future of manufacturing on Long Island and beyond. 🌟