The Future of Manufacturing

On August 19th, Sabrina Kanaley and Megan Robertson represented CET on a panel at the Venture Café in Providence, focusing on the future of manufacturing and alternative pathways to a career in the industry.

The panel was led by Kathie Mahoney, Center Director, Polaris MEP, and also included Lindsey Brickle, Senior Workforce Manager, Polaris MEP. Polaris MEP is a statewide non-profit organization that provides competitive manufacturing business improvement programs to grow RI’s manufacturing industry. CET has partnered with and taken advantage of a number of opportunities with Polaris MEP.

Sabrina, who has been with CET for 5 years, got her start in the design world at the Landing School in Maine. Upon graduating, she joined CET as a Composite Technician and over the years worked her way up the ranks to Lead Designer. During her time at CET she has helped to train over a dozen employees in a variety skills and continues to be a key asset to the team in her current role.

Megan, who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from URI, began as a Composite Technician at CET in the Spring of 2020. After enrolling in and completing the Composites Technician Apprenticeship Program, she gained experience and acquired a variety of skills including lamination, vacuum bagging, oven preparation, sanding, and painting. The internal training program, combined with her background in painting and creating blueprints for 3D models has proven to be a unique skillset and her value did not go unnoticed. Within a year, Megan interviewed for and was promoted to Associate Designer.

Promoting internal growth, continued education, and opportunities to succeed are a common thread that both Sabrina and Megan appreciate about CET.

To hear more from Sabrina, Megan, and Lindsey, listen to the podcast: