Joshua Tompson likes Great Bay Community College so much, he’s enrolled in three programs!
His initial experience with the college came in 2017 when he earned a certificate in Advanced Composites Manufacturing, which led to a career as a machinist at Turbocam International in Barrington. This past spring, he returned for a certificate in CNC machining, and he’s now a handful of courses from completing an associate in science degree in Technical Studies.
“I plan to finish up the degree during the winter semester, and then I will have two certificates and a two-year degree from Great Bay,” he said. “My education has been great. I’ve done it while working full time and I have been able to do it at my pace and with the flexibility of taking classes online. The ability to take classes when you need to has been a great help.”
Tompson, who lives in Barrington, said his education directly relates to his professional success. He started working with the manufacturing company after he earned his ACM certificate at Great Bay. The expertise he gained completing the CNC certificate expanded opportunities at Turbocam, where he was recently promoted to a higher machinist level.
Turbocam has encouraged his education by offering tuition assistance. “What I learn on the job helps with my education, and what I learn at Great Bay helps with my work,” Tompson said. “I expect to be at Turbocam for a long time, and part of the reason I am pursuing my associate degree is to open more internal avenues at work.”
The Technical Studies degree will give him broad knowledge and experience tailored to his interests. The program allows students to build on previous manufacturing and technical expertise through electives, resulting in an individualized program of study.
He described his work as “cutting fancy circles,” but it’s much more complicated, and involves a high degree of precision and specialization. Turbocam primarily makes parts for transportation industry sectors across the globe. “We make things that help other things move,” he said. “you have to know what you are doing.”
Tompson said his professors at Great Bay have been accommodating and understanding of his schedule and his work-life balance needs. “People are always willing to help you. The professors are always flexible. The sense of community at Great Bay is present all the time,” said Tompson, 31.
“For me, community college was a great way to get your feet wet going back to school, especially at an older age. Great Bay offered a great introduction to being a student again.”
GBCC currently offers welding, CNC and Technical Studies and other direct career entry programs in IST, healthcare, biotechnology, computer technologies, veterinary technologies, digital media and more.
