Nevaeh Acevedo started working and building her resume long before her graduation this year from The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center in Providence.
Her experience included sales, catering and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She then tried an internship this year in general manufacturing with We Make RI. The Cranston-based nonprofit offers manufacturing-related training and helped her land a job as a material handler at East Providence’s igus Bearings Inc.
While her long-term career goals include joining the Coast Guard, the Central Falls resident says she’s eager to explore the career opportunities manufacturing offers to all workers, including women.
“There is no career path that only a man can take,” she said.
When did you decide to pursue work in manufacturing and what led you to that decision? I originally was going for more of the welding side, taking classes and looking for opportunities throughout my senior year. When I connected with We Make RI, I was able to learn more about manufacturing and other businesses. I was able to find what I was looking for as far as pursuing manufacturing work.
How did you get connected with We Make RI? What kind of training and/or education did you get from the program? I first connected with We Make RI through my high school while looking for an internship. Throughout the program, we had in-the-classroom and floor training. Lessons [included] math and safety, inventory management and working in production. Most important was also job preparation, fixing up resumes and interview experiences.
You’ve already earned an impressive list of certifications, including two for forklift operation, and skills. Which of these did you achieve through We Make RI? I returned to We Make RI during the summer to get my first forklift certification. As for the skills I’ve gained from them, employability and awareness.
How did the program prepare you for your new job at igus as a material handler? Everything I learned there, I use now at igus. I knew what I was getting myself into and was well-prepared.
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LEARNING THE ROPES: Nevaeh Acevedo, who recently landed a job as a material handler at igus Bearings Inc., works with Warehouse Production Manager Mike Silva at the company’s East Providence facility.
PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY[/caption]
You’re still training but what do you like most about working in manufacturing? What’s been the most challenging? My favorite process would be with assembly, being able to prep and create the orders our customers envision could be fun at times. I haven’t yet faced any real challenges. So far it has been a smooth ride for me.
Do you think most people your age are aware of the career opportunities in manufacturing? Do you see that changing? I definitely think people my age are becoming more aware now and … are sharing and passing on the knowledge of these opportunities, as am I. I feel that everything is already changing. I see the [youths] being more open to making connections.
What would you tell other women who may still see manufacturing as a male-dominated industry? I would tell them just go for what makes you feel good, no matter who is around you. There are way more women working in these “male-dominated” industries. Each year the numbers go up. … It’s not just men getting their hands dirty. There is no career path that only a man can take.
