Five Questions With: Douglas H. Sherman

Douglas H. Sherman, senior vice president and provost at New England Institute of Technology, talks about some of the new programs at NEIT, and how they will help address worker shortages in Rhode Island in specific industries.

PBN: Tell me about the new welding-engineering technology and advanced manufacturing technology associate’s degree programs and how they will help companies struggling to find skilled workers.
SHERMAN:
Both of these programs are responsive to an emerging need for highly trained and educated technicians in the advanced manufacturing and fabrication industries. Both programs blend engineering content knowledge with the hands-on technical skills required to operate highly advanced welding, fabrication and manufacturing equipment and processes. The curriculum is complemented by the addition of general education courses that assist students developing important critical thinking, problem solving and oral and written communications skills. In addition, students will gain an appreciation for quality workmanship.

PBN: What sort of companies are saying they are facing a skilled worker shortage?
SHERMAN:
In terms of these programs, companies in the advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding sectors as well as the companies that support these sectors are facing labor supply challenges. In addition, we are also seeing the same challenges in the information technology, architectural, engineering and healthcare industries.

PBN: What programs are most in demand at NEIT?
SHERMAN:
Today’s employers are seeking graduates from a wide range of programs. These programs include health sciences, architectural building engineering technology, electrical and mechanical engineering technologies, information technology, automotive technology, marine technology, graphics, multimedia and Web design, and all construction trades. Graduates from these programs have multiple job offers to consider upon graduation. In order to create supply to meet labor market demand, all concerned need to educate parents and high school guidance counselors and teachers regarding these areas of growth in employment opportunities.
In addition, the advanced manufacturing jobs of today are not the manufacturing careers of old. Advanced manufacturing careers provide viable pathways and prosperous opportunities for graduates with the required skill set. Our engineering, advanced manufacturing and welding engineering technology programs provide those skills.

- Advertisement -

PBN: What are some of the other new technology initiatives available at NEIT?
SHERMAN:
NEIT is always looking at new opportunities to add or enhance programs that will provide our students with the skills needed to meet the labor market demands of employers. At the moment we are focused on maintaining and modifying our existing program curricula to ensure that we are meeting employer needs. We are also looking at adding programs at the graduate level to complement the programs we offer at the undergraduate level. Employers are demanding higher educational credentials in order for employees to be offered promotional opportunities. Based on our long-standing connections with employers, we understand their needs and can quickly adapt our programs to meet those needs. As a result, we always have new ongoing technology initiatives.

PBN: What is the percentage of graduates who land a job within three months of graduation? Are those jobs primarily in Rhode Island? Is there any particular field of study that is proving to be better for graduates looking for jobs?
SHERMAN:
The college does not keep employment data by program start dates. Many NEIT graduates are securing employment very quickly and some even before they have completed their degree programs. Our graduates are employed in various companies throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Some of the technology areas that seem to be experiencing a surge in employment opportunities are: engineering, information technology, architectural and building trades, graphics, multimedia and Web design, health sciences, automotive and marine technology.

No posts to display