NWTC GRADS PUT NEW SKILLS TO WORK AT INDUSTRY-LEADING COMPANIES

Story originally published August 2024 via The Buffalo News

Mekhi Yearwood completed his courses at Northland Workforce Training Center (NWTC) confident that the experience and connections he gained there would serve him well. In his years working at National Grid, that’s proven to be true.

“Northland impacted my life; it changed for the better,” Yearwood says.

NWTC is an extension campus for SUNY Alfred State College and SUNY Erie Community College focused on preparing people for careers in energy and advanced manufacturing. In addition to specialized technical training, instructors work with students on job readiness, communication skills and professionalism. Faculty members often share their experience gained in the workforce.

“One thing that stuck out to me is how passionate the teachers are,” says Yearwood. “Having staff that are so passionate and knowledgeable about their backgrounds made all the difference.”

Oswald Love agrees. He credits Northland’s CNC Manufacturing and Machining program with setting him up for success in a machinist job at API Heat Transfer.

“You want a place that wants to invest in your future and prepare you with the necessary skills and tools that you need: Here is the place,” Love says of NWTC.

Finishing high school, Dainyurka Vicenty knew that she’d enjoy a hands-on, technically focused career. She was drawn to NWTC’s Mechatronics program. Mechatronics combines electrical, mechanical, robotics and computer technologies.

“You’re working with motors, you’re working with hydraulics and pneumatics,” Vicenty explains. “I really love it.”

Her time at NWTC led to a role at Tesla.

“That’s their goal here, making sure that you end up with a job before you even graduate,” she says. “They’ll help you with your resume, help you practice for your interviews … They’ll make sure you’re all set.”

NWTC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Utility of the Future & Clean Energy training centers are on Northland Avenue in East Buffalo. The location was convenient for Oswald Love when he was looking to change careers. He appreciates the hands-on experience he gained, and its direct connection to the needs of local manufacturing firms.

“Students get to learn and touch the parts that you’re making for your industry,” he explains. “[They] come here for the touch, feel and production of something tangible that’s literally going to be used by your company.”

Yearwood’s employment with National Grid has brought him both professional success and personal satisfaction. “One of my favorite parts about my job is being able to serve the community,” he says. “To see a smile on somebody’s face after helping them out, how appreciative everybody is.”

Vicenty encourages other people interested in developing their technical skills to explore the programs available. Those include Welding Technology, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Electrician, CNC Manufacturing and Machining and Mechatronics.

“Take a look at Northland,” she says. “It’s definitely a great way to just start a career in the manufacturing field.”

Northland Workforce Training Center will give you the tools, skills and job opportunities you are looking for. Train for what’s next at NWTC!

➡️ Visit www.northlandwtc.org or call 716-436-3229 to take your first step.