Warwick welcomes SAMI at New England Institute of Technology

August brings the start of a new academic year and opportunities abound for both degree and professional development programs at our colleges and universities in the city of Warwick. I am proud that Warwick is home to the Community College of Rhode Island, Salve Regina University, Johnson and Wales University and the New England Institute of Technology. Rhode Island has long been recognized for its institutions of higher education, for its rich shipbuilding and marine heritage as well as its manufacturing industry. Now with the help of the New England Institute of Technology and our business community, we have a cutting-edge educational program that unites all of these unique assets right here in Warwick. In July, I was very pleased to attend New England Institute of Technology's launch of its new Shipbuilding/Marine and Advanced Manufacturing Institute (SAMI), which is located on Post Road and is designed to provide comprehensive, hands-on training for individuals interested in pursuing careers in these high demand industries. In creating this innovative program, New England Institute of Technology partnered with General Dynamics/Electric Boat Division, Senesco Marine, Rhode Island Carbide Tool and Engineering, Swissline Precision, Rhode Island Marine Trades Association and the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association. This important collaborative effort will help us meet the hiring needs of employers and provide our residents with the necessary knowledge and skills to secure employment in the growing fields of advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding. SAMI is already seeing great success. To date, about 100 participants have completed the training programs and approximately 90% of them have been hired in jobs related to this training. The United States Department of Labor, the Governor's Workforce Board of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Foundation have provided grants to make this program a reality. The program is free of cost for both businesses and enrollees. SAMI participants must pass an initial screening test, be unemployed and over the age of 18. I encourage eligible individuals interested in pursuing careers in shipbuilding, marine and advanced manufacturing to consider enrolling in this program, and I thank New England Institute of Technology, our business community and federal and state partners for investing in our workforce. By working together, Warwick is on the move. For additional information about SAMI, visit www.SAMIRI.org. Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick and the chairman of the RIPTA board of directors.