Apprentices to graduate in NE-XT Technologies, GCC collaboration

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College will soon graduate the first class of apprentices in a collaboration with precision manufacturer NE-XT Technologies.

The nine NE-XT Technologies apprentices graduating in this first cohort have completed a year-long apprenticeship preparing them to advance into roles as front-line supervisors. The graduation ceremony, scheduled for April 17, at GCC, will celebrate the apprentices’ hard work as well as honor the contributions of their mentors and trainers.

“At GCC, we see registered apprenticeships as the next frontier in workforce development, which is ironic given that apprenticeships are in fact one of the oldest forms of workforce training,” Kristin Cole, vice president of workforce development at GCC, said in a statement. “It’s an exciting time for employers who are interested in exploring registered apprenticeships as there is much support both at the state and federal level, including financial incentives for employers, both in terms of tax credits as well as funding to offset the training costs.”

This first cohort of individuals has completed a comprehensive training curriculum, combining on-the-job learning and classroom instruction. Some of the apprentices have already moved into front-line supervisor roles at NE-XT Technologies and the others will either be moving into supervisor/training positions or continuing to develop their leadership skills.

NE-XT Technologies, which was founded in Greenfield as Valley Steel Stamp in 1971, makes precision machined parts and assemblies for partners in aerospace, defense and other industries.

“Embracing apprenticeships at NE-XT isn’t just about enriching our workforce; it’s about shaping the very fabric of our company’s future,” NE-XT Technologies President and CEO Steve Capshaw said in a statement. “By investing in apprenticeships, we empower NE-XT to not only thrive in the present but to chart a course toward unparalleled growth. It’s the synergy between our commitment to talent development and the aspirations of our employees that propels NE-XT toward ever greater heights of success and innovation.”

“Our partnership with GCC to bring apprenticeships into Franklin County is going to help develop a future workforce that not only embodies our values but also drives innovation, propelling NE-XT to new heights of success while fostering economic growth within our community,” Katie Szelewicki, director of human resources at NE-XT Technologies, said in a statement.

Senior Center group explores making connections

GREENFIELD — Social worker Matt Aversa will lead “Connections,” a group exploring ways to be proactive about making connections with others, at the Greenfield Senior Center on Thursday, April 18, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Advance registration is required as space is limited to 11. Call 413-772-1517, ext. 0 or stop by the center’s front desk to sign up. Residents of all towns are welcome.

Learn about healthier sleep at the Senior Center

GREENFIELD — Dr. Wendy Chabot will present “Healthier Sleep No Matter Your Age” at the Greenfield Senior Center on Friday, April 19, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

After 30 years providing pediatric primary care, Chabot transitioned to the field of behavioral sleep medicine. In this interactive 90-minute class, participants will learn about the function of sleep, how sleep changes with age and what can be done to reap the benefits of healthier sleep no matter one’s age.

This program is free and open to the public. Senior Center membership is not required but attendees must register in advance by calling 413-772-1517, ext. 0 or stopping by the center’s front desk.

AAA staff to share Real ID info

GREENFIELD — AAA staff will share information about getting a Real ID, the required identification needed for air travel and to enter any federal building beginning May 7, 2025, in a presentation at the Greenfield Senior Center on Tuesday, April 23, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

AAA staff will detail the documents needed and how to obtain them to be ready to make an appointment with the RMV or AAA. They will also go through membership levels and services provided by AAA. There will be ample time for questions.

This program is free and open to the public. Senior Center membership is not required but attendees must register in advance by calling 413-772-1517, ext. 0 or stopping by the center’s front desk.

April 26: ‘Navigating Grief and Loss’

GREENFIELD — Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice staff will present “Navigating Grief and Loss” at the Greenfield Senior Center on Friday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to noon. Time for questions will follow the presentation.

This program is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required by calling 413-772-1517, ext. 0 or stopping by the center’s front desk.