‘Sparkforce’ summer camps at MCC bring career paths into focus

MANCHESTER, NH – Manchester Community College this week hosted a hands-on summer camp series designed to bring fun into focus while introducing young minds to potential career paths in two in-demand fields. In partnership with the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA), “SparkForce” summer camps created opportunities for students in grades 5-8 to explore Robotics while students in grades 8-11 to gain some hands-on experience with welding.

Welding campers embarked building a submersible vehicle and boat out of metal, learning a variety of skills in the welding profession such as reading blueprints, grinding, plasma arc cutting and more. The Robotics camp featured different activities each day to showcase various manufacturing pathways.

Students used welding and other skills to work on building a submersible vehicle and boat.

Activities included artmaking, bridge-building, AI and more. Guest speakers from companies including Tech Ed Products, WaveLink, Watts, and Crew Collective were invited to lead hands-on projects connected to the various pathways. ARMI and the NH Department of Transportation also participated.

“Today’s young people have such a strong understanding of technology, it is inspiring to work with them and see their spirits light up learning new skills and having fun with their peers,” says Frank Xydias, the camp’s Robotics counselor.

SparkForce is the charitable foundation of FMA. Through its manufacturing camp and scholarship programs, SparkForce inspires, attracts, and supports the next generation workforce as they pursue a future in manufacturing.