**Kuster reintroduced legislation today to strengthen New Hampshire’s workforce and promote critical skills training for Granite Staters**

Nashua, N.H. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined Nashua Community College (NCC) leaders and members of the community to tour the Microelectronics Boot Camp, an accelerated career-training program at NCC co-funded through a partnership with BAE Systems. NCC and BAE Systems partnered to develop the 10-week Microelectronics Boot Camp in response to a skills shortage in microelectronic assembly. Since its launch in 2016, the Microelectronic Boot Camp has helped hundreds of students achieve successful career paths at BAE, Microsembly, and other local employers.

Today, Rep. Kuster reintroduced her legislation, the Workforce Development Investment Act, which would create tax incentives to encourage companies to partner with education providers to develop workforce training programs for skills that are in demand within their community or region. It would also create a separate credit for the cost of direct training conducted as part of an educational partnership or licensed apprenticeship.

“It is essential that our Granite State businesses have the skilled workforce they need to staff their operations and continue serving our country, especially in the technology industry,” said Rep. Kuster. “The Microelectronic Boot Camp at Nashua Community College and their partnership with BAE, Microsembly, and other local businesses are helping to grow and foster our state’s critical workforce and connect students with new opportunities to succeed. I was so impressed to meet the trainees and educators that make this program so successful today, and I will continue working to strengthen innovation and support a strong workforce here in New Hampshire.”

“One of the reasons the program is so successful is we listen to our industry partners and change the curriculum based on their needs,” said Jon Mason, Corporate, Community, and Continuing Education Coordinator at NCC. “The training is hands-on, and in a constant state of change. Every 10 weeks we look at what the program and the students need. By combining the needs of a company like BAE and abilities of our students; NCC is able to create many success stories.”

Boot Camp students have ranged in age from 18 to 63 and include recent high school graduates, workers from across industries seeking a career change, and military veterans. There are currently nine students enrolled in the boot camp, with many already completing job interviews halfway through the course. MY TURN, an educational and career skills program for at-risk youth, serves as a partner agency for the camp. So far, MY TURN and Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) have referred 41% of boot camp participants. 

Rep. Kuster was joined by Lucille Jordan, President, NCC; Jon Mason, NCC instructor, lead for Microelectronics Boot Camp; Tom Bishop, BAE Systems, Government Relations Director; Kim Cadorette, BAE Systems, Vice President of Operations; Lisa Aucoin, Vice President of F-35 Solutions; and Allie Joseph, Director, My-Turn.

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