Apprentices and future precision assemblers recognized at Frontgrade in Exeter

Apprenticeship program trains apprentices in high‐demand manufacturing careers

EXETER, NH – The Exeter branch of global company, Cobham, a technology and services innovator that develops products including microelectronics, motion control solutions, aviation services and more, celebrated its inaugural class of apprentices at a recognition ceremony on Thursday, March 28. The luncheon event was held to recognize the seven individuals have embarked on a unique pathway to advance themselves professionally.

Cobham’s registered apprenticeship program is made possible through a partnership with Great Bay Community College (GBCC) and ApprenticeshipNH. ApprenticeshipNH is a program housed at the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) which seeks to address workforce needs in specific sectors throughout the state by helping employers develop Registered Apprenticeships that combine classroom instruction and on‐the‐job training. Seven apprentices, a mixture of new andincumbent employees, participated in the inaugural program.

Cobham has successfully retained 100% of employees placed in the program.

The apprenticeship program began in July of 2018 and included more than 200 hours of non‐credit classroom instruction, provided by Great Bay Community College. The recognition ceremony on March 28 celebrated completion of the classroom instruction, while apprentices continue to work towards finishing the required 3,000 hours of on‐the‐job training. The seven Cobham apprentices are receiving training to become precision assemblers at the completion of the program.

Matt Galvin is one of the individuals participating in the registered apprenticeship program, and as an apprentice, Galvin has the opportunity to practice what he learns in class while working on the production floor, with the support and guidance of an experienced mentor. “I’ve never had an opportunity like this. Thanks to this apprenticeship, I feel like I have a career, not just a job,” said Galvin of his experience as a member of the Cobham team.

Also in attendance at the event were staff and instructors from Great Bay Community College and representatives from ApprenticeshipNH. Cobham staff at the event, including senior leadership and apprentice mentors, collectively remarked on the accomplishments that apprentices have made over the course of the training and how their new skills and knowledge have positively impacted operations for the company. “This program has really been a game‐changer for Cobham,” said Al Hamwey, senior director of operations for Cobham while speaking to apprentices. “We are so impressed with how quickly our apprentices’ knowledge has grown, and we were delighted to celebrate them, their hard work and their accomplishments at our event.”

Based on the tremendous success of the inaugural class, Cobham began a second apprenticeship cohort on March 26 of this year.

To learn more about the ApprenticeshipNH program, including additional apprenticeship and sponsorship opportunities, visit earnlearnnh.org, or contact Emily Zeien at apprenticeshipusanh@ccsnh.edu

The ApprenticeshipNH Program, housed at the Community College System of New Hampshire, is a unique effort that prepares individuals through Registered Apprenticeship programs to more effectively participate in the modern workforce. Focusing on the Advanced Manufacturing, Construction and Infrastructure, Healthcare, Hospitality and Information Technology sectors, the ApprenticeshipNH Program provides NH residents with invaluable opportunities to pursue highly‐skilled, high‐paying jobs, and opportunities for employers seeking to build a qualified workforce in NH. The program is funded through a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.