SUSAN VOTTO, administrator of career and technical education at William M. Davies Jr. Career & Technical High School, credits the meaningful bonds built over time between the Lincoln-based school and the business community as the key to success for the school's internship program.
"We're always reaching out to connect with our community partners," she said. "It's not one-and-done. That's what keeps them returning year after year."
For more than 52 years, Davies has demonstrated excellence in collaborating with businesses to prepare young people for work in a wide range of specialized industries. Davies students participate in practical, hands-on learning in fields such as advanced manufacturing and other skilled trades.
After completing their coursework, students may decide to begin their careers or continue their education at a college or technical institute.
Davies' advanced manufacturing program incorporates the latest technology and equipment to prepare students for jobs in high-tech manufacturing, where a shortage of skilled workers hinders the growth of many businesses. During the summer between their junior and senior year, students are placed with local manufacturers where they can learn the trades.
"As we head into the spring each year, companies start contacting us, looking for interns," Votto said. "Students are assigned quickly. It gets very competitive."
A fruitful summer experience can lead to part-time work during a student's senior year. Students can split their time between their studies and their workplace experience, attending classes on Mondays and Fridays while practicing their skills in the field the other three weekdays.
Interns who impress employers are often offered positions with manufacturers upon graduation. The manufacturers in turn provide flexible work schedules for employees who wish to continue their education.
"Our partners are very accommodating, really allowing our graduates to achieve their goals while investing in their futures," Votto said.
Some manufacturers that collaborate with the students and faculty at the school include Greystone Inc. in Lincoln, Arch Cutting Tools in Smithfield and Tracey Gear & Precision Shaft in Pawtucket. Hiring managers have also been excited to see more female students entering the industry eager and willing to gain experience working on automated, preprogrammed devices, known as computer numerical control machines.
Through a recent donation from The Robert E. Morris Co., the school received its own Swiss-style CNC machine, the only one of its kind in Rhode Island. This machine can produce intricate parts quickly and accurately, saving companies time and money.
Giving Davies students access to the CNC machine provides them with hands-on learning experiences that will better prepare them for the top jobs in manufacturing.
Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, D-Lincoln, attended the ceremony presenting the impressive new piece of equipment.
"It's a win-win-win, as business, education and the community come together, benefiting Davies students with the donation of the brand-new state-of-the-art Swiss-style CNC machine," she said.
Shallcross Smith, owner of local children's learning center Dr. Daycare Inc., recognizes that many of the learners attending Davies grew up in the area she represents and that "this donation gives these students leverage in the manufacturing workforce."
The relationships Davies builds with its partners go well beyond arranging internships. Company representatives participate in events and serve as guest speakers on a wide range of topics. Also, Davies' advanced manufacturing program each year hosts a showcase allowing students to share their creativity and talent by presenting projects that they've researched, designed and produced.
The students' hard work eventually pays off. At the close of the school year, Davies' workforce development office holds a partner appreciation reception with an intent-to-hire signing ceremony much like that of a sports team. Industry partners announce their plans to collaborate beyond graduation and celebrate as students take the next step toward their careers in the manufacturing industry, having been well prepared for the future.