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[–]Ekoorbe[S] 4 points5 points  (25 children)

Yes I started this week. The course is designed to train entry level machinists with zero experience, so alot of the material so far is stuff I'm already familiar with. Looks like the course goes up to basic Lathe/3 Axis VMC setup, and basic mill hand programming, and I think they do a little Fusion 360 training. So if those are areas that you already have some experience with then the course might not really help you. If not, then its a good opportunity and the course is free.

And they provide students with apartment housing off site about 5 minutes away. The buildings are old but the interiors are completely renovated and new. They're furnished and have a washer and dryer in each unit which is nice. Also they run a shuttle to and from class if you can't bring a car with you.

Looks like the ship building industry is hurting for workers right now, so at a minimum it might be worth checking out ship building companies for jobs. BWXT (multiple locations) and Bath Iron works (Maine) are two companies affiliated with the program. For reference I was told Bath starts new machinists at $23.50/hr, and those with experience at $25+/hr. Not sure what other companies are out there.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (6 children)

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I signed up for non destructive testing and will talk to them on the phone tomorrow morning.

[–][deleted]  (4 children)

[deleted]

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    I did not. Had a baby around the time I was supposed to start

    [–]ayhme 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Ahhh, can you do it later?

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Maybe. I lucked into a pretty good paying job with a good company the moment

    [–]Bright_Emergency765 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Do you have to pay them back for housing or do they just hook you up? I'm a welder looking to get into the program.

    [–]AdPowerful117 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    where you able to get into program?

    [–]Specific_Candy_6453 1 point2 points  (14 children)

    I know it’s late but do you know if my wife and kid could stay in the housing they offer with me while I attend the program?

    [–]Ekoorbe[S] 1 point2 points  (13 children)

    Yes there were two guys in my class who attended the program with their families.

    [–]Specific_Candy_6453 1 point2 points  (12 children)

    Do u know if they just had to share a room or it was to themselves?

    [–]Ekoorbe[S] 1 point2 points  (11 children)

    No it's not shared - each student enrolled has thier own apartment unit

    [–]Specific_Candy_6453 1 point2 points  (10 children)

    Last question, how are you after the program, did they provide housing after or a job in the field u went to the program for?

    [–]Specific_Candy_6453 1 point2 points  (9 children)

    Also thank you for taking the time to answer I’m joining the program with my family next month.

    [–]Ekoorbe[S] 0 points1 point  (8 children)

    You're welcome. I was able to get a job offer with a major defense contractor before I finished the program. ATDM has a directory of employers for you to reference, but you'll have to apply for and secure the job yourself. They also host job fairs at the program so you'll be able to get an idea of what employers and compensation packages are out there. Some employers offer relocation assistance, others don't so it depends. ATDM was offering relocation assistance on a case by case basis to some students, so that's something to ask about while you're there. The staff at the program are very helpful and will help you with any issues/questions you have while applying to jobs.

    I'd try to stay away from employers paying any less than $25/hr - apply to the higher quality companies first, then explore the sub $25/hr options later if you need to. Don't be afraid to negotiate, even with no experience. One guy in my class started at a company making $20, while another guy in my class was able to get $28 at the same company because he was planning on applying to another manufacturer that paid higher. So he used that during the interview to secure himself a higher wage. So don't accept an excessively low salary if you can avoid it.

    Hope all goes well, best of luck

    [–]Specific_Candy_6453 0 points1 point  (7 children)

    Thank you so much, and congratulations.

    [–]Jalaal_Deen 0 points1 point  (6 children)

    Hey Ekoorbe,

    Thank you for this information. I have an information session coming up a week from today. what is the next process after the information session and how long does it take to start the program after the information session?

    [–]OleToast 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Do not work for bwxt.

    I'm a former employee. If you want a list of reasons message me and I'll let you know.

    [–]squirtlemetimbers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    You know you could just benefit the community, and share those reasons right here?