Stratford Man Lands Dream Job Thanks To HCC Manufacturing Program

STRATFORD – When Stratford resident and Fairfield native Chris Heun learned that Housatonic Community College was starting a manufacturing program, he jumped at the opportunity to join it.

It was a decision he doesn’t regret. In less than a year, he went from aspiring student to graduation to a position in the toolmaking department at Bridgeport’s Schwerdtle Stamp Company. It was a dream come true.

“I always liked working with my hands,” said Heun, who grew up in a manufacturing family. “But, finding an affordable manufacturing program  was a problem.” Heun decided to pursue another path that would allow him to work with his hands, creating works of art. Then he learned of the HCC program

The two-certificate program, which is accepting applications for the Fall semester, prepares students for advanced manufacturing positions that include machine operator, CNC (Computer Numeric Control) operator, CNC programmer, assembler, and Quality Control inspector. These can pay in the $15-$20 per-hour range.

The yearlong program, which requires a 35-hour-per-week commitment from students, leads to two certificates, a basic manufacturing certificate and an advanced manufacturing certificate.  Both certificate tracks are financial-aid eligible.

The basic manufacturing certificate track, which is offered in the Fall,  includes courses in Computer-aided Design (CAD), blueprint reading; drill, press and saw operation; grinding; bench work; lathe operation; milling; and CNC. While providing the foundation to pursue the advanced manufacturing certificate, the basic certificate will also include training in math for manufacturing, lean manufacturing, metrology, computer applications, and careers in manufacturing.

The advanced certificate, offered in the Spring, includes advanced courses in manufacturing math and blueprint reading; principles of quality control; and advanced manufacturing machinery courses in lathe operation, milling, and CNC.

Heun praised the program for its versatility. “The program prepares you for a wide variety of jobs and careers, including such things as CNC operator, CNC programmer, assembler, Quality Control inspector and even sales,” he said.

A fellow student with a strong sales background got a job in manufacturing sales, he noted. “With his understanding of the manufacturing process, he could go into a company and talk business and shop,” he said, “It’s just a nine month program but the job possibilities are endless,” he said.

Once he enrolled in the program, Heun was determined to succeed. He knew that success meant doing homework, but that it meant much more than that. “I did a lot of ‘extracurricular work,’ ” he said. “I went around to people saying I’d work for free. I wanted to learn as much about manufacturing as I could.”

Heun did his internship at Schwerdtle and, when a full-time job came open, he applied for it – and got it. Assigned to the toolmaking department, he realized he found his niche. It presented him with the opportunity to use his hands and follow a career path. “It’s exhilarating to know that one of the dies I make can make a million parts,” he said.

Heun also found a career path. “I’d love to become a journeyman toolmaker. That’s a quality job.”

“I really love the job,” he said. “ When I wake up in the morning to go to work, I know I can do what I want to. That’s a great feeling.”

           Registration for the Fall semester is going on now. Students may register at www.housatonic.edu. through Sunday, Sept. 1 and by fax, mail, or dropping off a registration form and payment information in the drop box in Lafayette Hall through Friday, Aug. 16.  Students may also register in person at the Registrar’s office (B109, Lafayette Hall), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. ‑ 4 p.m., through Wednesday, Aug. 21 (Tuesday, Aug. 6, and Wednesday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) Formal late registration session will be held Thursday, Aug. 22, 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; and Monday, Aug. 26, 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. A special registration session for senior citizens and high school partnership students will be held Tuesday, Aug. 27, 10 a.m. – Noon.  For more information, contact Bill Griffin at 203-332-5056. Fall semester classes start Wednesday, Aug. 28. HCC is located at 900 Lafayette Boulevard in downtown Bridgeport, less than 150 yards off I-95 (Exit 27) and Rte. 8 (Exit 1), a block from the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard.  Free parking is available in the Housatonic garage.