The program itself is also growing, taking on a dozen new applicants next fall under a special program that fully funds tuition, fees, textbooks and more for recent high school graduates accepted into the program.
Sanford Regional Economic Growth Director James Nimon and York County Community College President Barbara Finkelstein announced the move to a larger building in a joint statement released late Tuesday afternoon.
The program will move from its current location on Eagle Drive in Sanford Industrial Estates to the former Composite Technology Center on Community Drive in the same industrial park.
The move is designed to give the school more room to house specialized training equipment, and will help YCCC expand the program to accommodate more students, said Nimon.
According to Nimon, demand for the program has been higher than anticipated when it started in Sanford in September 2013. The inaugural class graduated from the program last summer, and most of the graduates are already working at regional manufacturers, he said.
YCCC marketing and public relations director Stacy Chilicki said there are 15 students currently enrolled in a one-year precision machine operator program, and 26 enrolled in the two-year associates degree precision machining technology program.
The Maine Community College System and The Wildflower Fund have come together to fund the Future for ME scholarship program aimed at recent high school graduates, she said, and the program will accept 12 students into the one-year certificate program in each of the next three years.
“Demand is high in Maine and nationally for skilled workers,” said Nimon. “Having a source of highlytrained workers available right here in our community is a huge plus for Sanford, both for helping our current manufacturers to grow, and for attracting more industry to our community.”
“This move is an important step for us,” said Finkelstein. “Sanford has been a great location for our PMT program.”
The Industrial Development Corporation, which owns Sanford Industrial Estates, has been very willing to accommodate the college’s needs, Finkelstein said.
The building is expected to be ready for students attending the program this fall.
“Its great news,” said Nimon.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].
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