Inspiring and Equipping Tomorrow's Manufacturing Leaders
Do you like building things? Are you looking for a rewarding career? Our Student Technician Program could be the answer. Learn while you work on real industry projects and gain the demonstrable skills that put you in the driver’s seat for career success.
100+
Industry Projects Completed
250+
Businesses Engaged
30+
Advanced Manufacturing Systems
Paid
Experience — Like a Paid Internship
Real Projects. Real Skills. Real Careers.
The Manufacturing Collaborative's Student Technician Program is a unique, paid experience where Vermont State University students work alongside TMC staff to deliver real manufacturing services for real industry clients. Think of it as a paid internship — one where you're contributing to actual customer projects from day one, developing skills that are immediately demonstrable to employers.
Adult learners and students from other institutions are also welcome to participate in the program.
Based at The Manufacturing Collaborative at Vermont State University in Randolph, Vermont, the program gives you access to industry-grade equipment spanning the full manufacturing workflow: from design and digitization through 3D printing, CNC machining, metrology, and metallurgy.
- Earn a paycheck while you build in-demand manufacturing skills
- Work on real customer projects with real-world impact
- Access 30+ leading-edge systems you won't find elsewhere
- Gain industry connections and career placement support
Support does not stop with project work. Access to our growing network of partners, companies, and experts provide the introductions and connections to help you land your dream job.
Location:
- Advanced Manufacturing Center
- Vermont State University
- Randolph, Vermont
Technologies you'll train on:
Metal 3D Printing (EOS M290, EOS M100, ExOne 25Pro), 5-Axis CNC Machining (DMG Mori DMU75, Haas UMC 500), CT Scanning & Metrology (Nikon XT H 225 ST 2X, Volume Graphics), Polymer 3D Printing (3D Systems ProX 6100, Figure 4, Markforged X7,), Wire EDM (Makino U6), EDM Drill (GF 20), 3D Scanning (Artec), CAD/CAM (SolidWorks, CREO, Fusion 360, Ansys), DfAM & Generative Design, Metallurgical Testing (Tinius Olsen, Charpy, Microhardness), Water Jet (Omax Maxiem 1515), Laser Cutting (Trotec Speedy 400), Heat Treatment Furnaces.
Five Core Skill Domains
Students in the program have the opportunity to develop skills across five advanced manufacturing disciplines. Some students will touch on several of these areas across different projects, while others may choose to go deep in one — it depends on your interests and the projects you work on.
Design for Manufacturing
- Apply CAD/CAM tools including SolidWorks, CREO, and Fusion 360.
- Explore Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM).
- Generative design
- FEA simulation to develop manufacturable, optimized parts.
Rapid Prototyping
- Work across the prototyping workflow from concept through iteration to final form — using polymer and metal 3D printing.
- Laser cutting
- Waterjet cutting to bring ideas to life faster than traditional methods..
Digital Engineering
- Develop skills in 3D scanning, reverse engineering, and digitization pipelines.
- Learn to transform physical parts into precise digital models using Artec scanners and metrology-grade analysis tools.
Product Testing & Metrology
- Support dimensional inspections, CT scanning analysis, and non-destructive evaluation on real customer parts.
- Gain hands-on exposure to Nikon CT systems, vision measurement, and Volume Graphics software.
Material Characterization
- Build practical materials knowledge through tensile testing, hardness testing, Charpy impact testing, and microhardness analysis — skills that distinguish strong manufacturing professionals.
From Student to Hired Professional
The Student Technician Program is structured to build your skills progressively — so every project adds another line to your portfolio and another connection to your network.
1: Getting Started
Familiarize yourself with the Advanced Manufacturing Center, its equipment, and the TMC team. Begin contributing to live projects under the guidance of experienced manufacturing staff.
2: Hands-On Project Work
Work on actual customer projects alongside TMC staff. Contribute to project assessment, quoting, and manufacturing — getting paid as you build real-world experience.
3: Skill & Portfolio Building
Accumulate demonstrable proof of your capabilities across multiple projects and disciplines. Build the portfolio that sets you apart in a competitive job market.
4: Career Launch
Tap into TMC’s industry network for warm introductions to hiring companies. Graduate with relevant skills, documented project experience, and employer connections ready to go.
Who Should Apply
The Student Technician Program is designed for people who want to build a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing — regardless of their current background. TMC welcomes learners from all walks of life and is committed to an inclusive environment.
VSU Students
The program is built around Vermont State University students who want to turn their studies into real manufacturing experience — getting paid to contribute to live client projects.
Students at Other Institutions
Not at VSU? Opportunities exist for students from other institutions to participate in the program. Reach out to the TMC team to learn more.
Adult Learners & Career Changers
Whether you’re transitioning from another industry or returning to the workforce, the Student Technician Program offers a structured, paid path to building in-demand manufacturing skills.
Under-Represented Groups
TMC is committed to building an inclusive manufacturing workforce. We actively welcome women, BIPOC individuals, new Americans, veterans, and second-chance job seekers.
Requirements:
Genuine enthusiasm for manufacturing and making things, willingness to learn, ability to work on-site in Randolph, Vermont, and a team-oriented mindset.
“In our nascent industry, the kind of commitment to flexibility, quality and business partnership that we have experienced through the Vermont Manufacturing Collaborative has been invaluable.” — Peder Nilsson, VP of Supply Chain, Benchmark Space Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get paid during the Student Technician Program?
Yes — this is a paid experience, similar to a paid internship. You’ll earn compensation while developing advanced manufacturing skills on real customer projects. Specific details are discussed during the application process.
Do I need to be a VSU student to apply?
VSU students are the primary audience for the program, but adult learners and students from other institutions are also welcome to participate. Contact TMC’s training team to discuss your situation.
Where is the program located?
At The Manufacturing Collaborative’s Advanced Manufacturing Center on the Vermont State University campus in Randolph, Vermont. Centrally located in New England.
What kinds of companies do student technicians work with?
TMC has completed projects for Benchmark Space Systems, Husky, Bivo, General Dynamics, and the University of Vermont Medical Center — spanning defense, medical, consumer, and industrial sectors.
What career outcomes have past participants achieved?
Alumni have secured positions at General Dynamics – Bath Iron Works. Jim Mitchell, one of TMC’s first student technicians, got hired as an IRAD Engineer developing new manufacturing technologies.
Is this affiliated with Vermont State University?
The Manufacturing Collaborative is hosted by Vermont State University and operates its Advanced Manufacturing Center on the VSU Randolph campus, combining university access with TMC’s industry-focused environment.
What technologies will I work with?
Student technicians work with 30+ systems including EOS metal 3D printers, DMG Mori and Haas 5-axis CNC mills, Nikon CT scanners, Artec 3D scanners, Wire EDM, and a full suite of metrology and material testing equipment.
How do I apply?
Contact TMC’s training team through the website. The team will discuss program fit, timing, and next steps.
Your New Career Could Be a Few Projects Away
Connect with TMC’s training team today to learn if the Student Technician Program is right for you. No commitment required — just a conversation.