Getting Rhode Islanders On A Fast Track to A Career In Manufacturing

In response to employer needs for higher-skilled candidates for good-paying jobs, Polaris MEP developed the “Fast Track to Manufacturing” program.

The entire program is FREE for all that qualify and are accepted, thanks to Real Jobs RI funding.

The Polaris MEP/CCRI “Fast Track to Manufacturing” program is often held up as a national best practice for strengthening a state’s economy. Since the program launched in 2016, it has delivered:

• 175 trained CNC Machinists
• 150 job seekers placed in CNC or related roles
• New manufacturing employees now being paid an average starting wage of $18.36/hour plus benefits

Phase 1 introduces the fundamentals of manufacturing, blueprint reading and precision measurement. Trainees enjoy job shadowing and gain hands-on experience.

Those who complete the 19-week boot camp earn 13 CCRI credits and are ready for a first position as a CNC Operator, quality control person, or entry-level machinist. Polaris MEP supports the students in interview prep and typically job placement is achieved at the end of this phase.

Phase 2 is focused on learning deeper skills and cutting-edge advanced manufacturing processes to become a CNC machinist. Trainees earn 6 CCRI college credits.