BAE Systems has supported the Microelectronics Boot Camp at Nashua Community College since 2016, a 10-week, hands-on career training program that prepares students for careers in manufacturing and microelectronics through intensive courses, academic support, and job placement. As part of our support of the Microelectronics Boot Camp, the Electronic Systems sector provides charitable funding to the local nonprofit My Turn to connect students to the course, as well as to additional resources needed to ensure they can graduate.
The Microelectronics Boot Camp addresses the shortage of skilled candidates in microelectronics manufacturing and provides a pipeline of trained employees to BAE Systems. Many students enroll in the course looking for a career change, or a chance to improve their lives and future. Some students come from under-resourced backgrounds, and the program has had the power to change the trajectory of their lives.
My Turn provides necessary support to ensure that students can complete the Boot Camp, including comprehensive career services, academic support, and financial/ tuition assistance to help students overcome any barriers to a successful completion of the program. Many graduates accept jobs at BAE Systems following program completion.
I feel better prepared for any hurdles that life throws my way . . .I wouldn’t have been able to get this far if it weren’t for the way that My Turn, Nashua Community College, and BAE Systems have worked together.LAURA OSSA LINARES, BAE Systems Employee and My Turn graduate
Another participant, Quoc Pham, joined BAE Systems as a Microwave Technician II after finishing the Microelectronics Boot Camp with support from My Turn. In 2023, My Turn recognized Quoc as its “Out of School Participant of the Year,” and he credits My Turn and the Microelectronics Boot Camp with being, “the foundation that represents who I am today.”
Quoc is now pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at Southern New Hampshire University through BAE Systems’ tuition reimbursement program. “If I were to describe My Turn with one word, I would use the word ‘certainty’ because they are willing to make certain that you achieve what you desire. I’ll be there for new individuals who are also in need of dire support in the future.”
BAE Systems Electronic Systems is proud to support My Turn through the sector’s Community Investment grant programs and make it possible for more students to pursue STEM careers and improve our company and our community.
By Alice Crutcher, Communications