RUMFORD – The River Valley Technology Center presented seven associate degrees and 13 first year certificates to machinists Wednesday night at the Eagle’s Hall in Rumford.
Diane Dostie, dean of Corporate and Community Services at Central Maine Community College, introduced a crowd of well-wishers to the graduates, including state Sen. Bruce Bryant, D-Dixfield, and Rep. John Patrick, D-Rumford, who are on the River Valley Tech Board.
Tim Trafford brought congratulatory remarks from U.S. Congressman Michael Michaud. He said Michaud said the graduates would play a vital role in the upcoming upturn of industry in Maine. He added that the program is a victory for the workforce in Maine.
The program, which is in it’s second year, results from a government grant the RVTC received for developing a program in precision metal work.
The River Valley is to serve as an incubator for the state. The aim of the program is to develop a workforce around metal working by training displaced workers in the metal field.
The certificates were presented on completion of the metal trade program provided through RVTC and CMCC with continual support from the Training Resource Center, Region 9 Adult Education and Rumford Career Center.
Receiving associates degrees were Charles Bellegarde, Lois Chase, Jason Conchran, John Moro Jr, Joseph Parise, Sharon Theriault and Jimmy Wakefield. First year certificates went to Michael Brett, Denise Buck, Michael Cadigan, Robert Chase, Mathew Conkright, Stephen Cote, Robert Evans, Brian Gardner, Timothy Larsen, Roger Michaud, David Nevedomsky and Michael Taylor. Most students said they have already found jobs in the area.
The recognition ceremony was organized by Cindy Kelley from RVTC.
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