FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Two Women set out to Machine a Career in Unlikely Territory 

AUGUSTA, Maine 4/03/2023 The silvery smell of metal and coolants might be off-putting for most people but not for Mid-Maine Technical Center (MMTC) seniors, Emma Wiswell and Alonna Carerros. Wiswell and Carerros recently wrapped up an eight-week internship on the floor of Kennebec Technologies, a precision machine shop in Augusta that serves aerospace, defense, alternative energy, medical, and telecom industries. The seniors were right at home with the lathes, mills and CNC machines housed in the 20,000-square-foot workshop. 

This unique partnership that allows MMTC precision machining students to take their learning on the road to a professional machine shop has deep roots. This includes MMTC Precision Machining instructor Darrin Morgan’s fifteen-year history as an employee at Kennebec Technologies. It was easy for Morgan to select these two students for this opportunity due to the extra effort the two put in at MMTC. In an industry where nationally most of the workforce is male, Wiswell and Carerros stand out, not only as females in the field but also for their talent and dedication in the classroom. 

When asked if they found it challenging to be an aspiring female machinist, Wiswell shared, “There are some people who give me a hard time, but it is not difficult to ignore them. More than anything people are very excited and encouraged about me becoming a machinist.” 

Carerros added, “I’ve been told I won’t get taken seriously, obviously I don’t listen. My mother was in the army, she is such an independent and strong woman, she has taught me so much. I keep my head up, it’s my future, not theirs.” On Carerros’ first day at Kennebec Technologies she admits she was nervous but those nerves disappeared quickly, “Everyone there was so nice and genuine, and always had a smile on their face. It was an incredible experience.”

Director of Sales and Marketing, Shawn Arbour at Kennebec understands the value of the internship program with MMTC. He noted, “I feel as though it’s very important for us to keep our doors open to these students because they are the future of our company. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than seeing these students succeed in a trade like this. Whatever I can do to help Darrin feel that success as a teacher is a win-win for me and the team at Kennebec.”

After graduation, Wiswell and Carerros plan on attending community college in Maine and pursuing a degree in precision machining. Wiswell offered this advice to other aspiring female machinists, “Don’t be afraid to break into this profession. You won't be looked down upon.” Carerros advised, “Keep your head up, nobody can limit you but yourself. You know what you’re capable of.”

About Mid-Maine Technical Center 

Mid-Maine Technical Center was established in 1966, serving students from Lawrence High School, Messalonskee High School, Waterville Senior High School, Winslow High School, Temple Academy, MEANS, and home-schooled students in the area. MMTC offers 13 programs where students learn a variety of career pathways from precision machining to early childhood education. 

Mid-Maine Technical Center

Kalyn Black

Workforce Development Coordinator

207.873.0102 x160

kblack@aos92.org

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