On March 18, the Emmett O’Brien Precision Machining Department hosted an Open House, welcoming over 45 employers from across the state to experience the program firsthand. During the event, employers had the opportunity to observe more than 46 tenth and eleventh-grade students actively working with the latest manufacturing technology as they prepare to enter the high-tech world of modern manufacturing.
Steve Orloski, Department Head of Precision Machining, emphasized the significance of the event, calling it an ideal opportunity for industry partners to connect with students and explore potential employment opportunities. He noted that manufacturers are eager to hire skilled students, with 95% of O’Brien’s upperclassmen already placed in careers or internships.
Orloski also shared exciting news about a recent donation from Southwest Industries, which provided the program with a brand-new CNC Machining Center and CNC Lathe valued at $160,000. This generous contribution further enhances the program’s ability to equip students with hands-on experience using cutting-edge technology, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of today’s manufacturing.
Also on March 18, the Freshmen Precision Machining students from Emmett O’Brien Technical High School received a generous donation of thousands of dollars’ worth of brand new precision measuring tools from Stelray Plastics, a local company in Ansonia.
The President of Stelray Plastics and our very own Niyah Newell were present to share this special moment with our students and their parents. Mr. Saffran emphasized the importance of developing critical machining skills and striving to be the best you can be each and every day. Niyah Newell, last year’s valedictorian, delivered a motivational speech to our new freshmen about work ethic and how she balances being a full-time student at UConn and a full-time employee at Sikorsky, where she is already earning over $70,000 at just 18 years old.
Each student received over $900 worth of tools, giving them an amazing head start as future Machinists, Tool Makers, QC Inspectors, CNC Programmers, and Engineers.
This generous donation will greatly assist students as they embark on their challenging new careers in Precision Machining. Several local news outlets covered this event as well.