BFIT Announces Launch of Engineering Technology Programs and Related MassCEC grant

August 3, 2021

BFIT announced today the launch of its Engineering Technology program, offering concentrations in Advanced Manufacturing & Automation Technology, Mechatronics Technology, and Renewable Energy Technology.  This program will prepare students for a wide range of jobs in high-demand technology sectors, including Robotic Assembly Technicians, Test Technicians, Automation Technicians, Solar Technicians, Solar Service Technicians, Solar Installation Technicians, Wind Technicians, Mechanical Technicians, Machine Tool Technicians, and Manufacturing Technicians.

“We are so excited to launch this program during a time of increased demand for skilled technicians in the growing clean energy industry,” said Marvin Loiseau, Dean of Academic Affairs at BFIT. “Providing our students with pathways to high-paying technical careers is at the heart of our mission, and our new Engineering Technology program is another example of BFIT’s tailored workforce development aligning with the needs of high-demand industries in Massachusetts.”

The demand for engineers and technicians with multifaceted skillset is on the rise due to the rapid advancements in popular areas of engineering such as clean energy, manufacturing, and automation. The new Engineering Technology programs at BFIT will prepare and train students in cross-disciplinary areas via industry-informed curricula focused on bridging the skills gap, improving employability, and developing skilled workforce in the engineering industry.

The Engineering Technology program at BFIT offers stackable short-term certificates and 2-year Associate of Science degrees with articulated pathways towards bachelor’s degree programs.

BFIT also announced it was awarded a MassCEC “Expanding Access to Opportunity in the Offshore Wind Workforce” grant.  This grant will provide support for BFIT’s new Engineering Technology – Renewable Energy concentration and is in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Lowell.  The goal of MassCEC’s “Expanding Access to Opportunity in the Offshore Wind Workforce” grant is to ensure the Offshore Wind workforce in Massachusetts is diverse and vibrant. With this grant funding, BFIT and UMass Lowell will examine if an increased level of financial and academic support for students will attract a more diverse population for both associate and bachelor’s degrees that produce technician and engineering talent for the Offshore Wind industry.

“We designed this partnership with UMass to serve as a stepping-stone for our diverse student population.  We are pleased to receive this funding to ensure the offshore wind industry is founded upon a qualified workforce that reflects the demographics of our Commonwealth from its inception,” said Aisha Francis, President and CEO of BFIT. “The students we serve throughout Greater Boston want affordable opportunities to access training for wind energy jobs that pay a family-sustaining wage. This new program and the grant to support it are responding to that call.”

As a part of the $240,000 MassCEC Offshore Wind Workforce grant, selected students participating in the Engineering Technology program will receive additional financial and academic support to help launch their careers as wind technicians through an associate degree or continue their studies to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering at BFIT or UMass Lowell.