New Hampshire’s manufacturers working together on the sector partnership initiative.
The first of four Sector Partnership Initiatives, which are business-led projects to create new pipelines of workers in key industries throughout New Hampshire, was launched Tuesday at Hitchiner Manufacturing in Milford. Led by chairman Val Zanchuck of Graphicast in Jaffrey, with over 25 manufacturers meeting to discuss their top priorities for education, training and recruitment of workers.
Gov. Maggie Hassan and Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner Jeffrey Rose also spoke about the importance of the state’s manufacturers – who propel the New Hampshire economy – identifying their challenges and working together to develop a solution.
Following the Manufacturing Sector Partnership launch, the team will now target manufacturers that have immediate needs, including those producing optics and those who need access to non-destructive testing. A lab is under construction at the Great Bay Advanced Technology Academic Center in Rochester that will enable students to learn various non-destructive testing methods.
Laser optics and micro-electronics manufacturers in New Hampshire produce products for medical devices and defense applications, so there is an ongoing need to have training for employees, which enable these companies to keep up with demand.
The morning event, which drew a standing room only crowd, illustrated New Hampshire’s take charge attitude and its ability to work together to find creative solutions. Three other sector partnership launches – in IT, hospitality and health care – will roll out later this year.
Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
Division of Economic Development
Tags: manufacturing, sector partnerships initiative, workforce