Building Skills, Shaping Futures

How a unique partnership in Vermont is strengthening advanced manufacturing—one employee at a time

On a crisp day at Vermont State University’s Randolph campus, three Nolato employees stood proudly at the front of the room, certificates in hand. For Benjamin McCoy, Jackson Pierson, and Amanda Merrill, the moment marked far more than the completion of a program—it was the result of four years of commitment, curiosity, and the belief that learning never stops.

The occasion celebrated the latest graduates of the Nolato Manufacturing Technology Leadership Program, an employer-sponsored academic initiative developed in close partnership between Vermont State University (VTSU) and Nolato Vermont. Designed specifically for working professionals, the program combines academic rigor with real-world manufacturing challenges, creating a powerful bridge between education and industry.

Learning that matters—right where it’s applied

Grounded in mechanical engineering and advanced manufacturing, the 22-credit program spans four years and is tailored to the everyday realities of Nolato’s operations. The curriculum is jointly developed by VTSU engineering faculty and Nolato industry experts, ensuring that every course delivers knowledge that can be applied directly on the production floor.

“This program exemplifies the value of intentional collaboration between higher education and industry,” says Jeffrey Higgins, Ed.D., Academic Coordinator of Employer-Sponsored Programs at VTSU. “By integrating academic coursework with real manufacturing challenges, participants gain practical engineering skills while delivering immediate value to their employer.”

For Nolato, that connection is key. With operations in Bethel and Royalton, Vermont, Nolato Vermont specializes in scientific injection molding and contract manufacturing for the medical device market—an environment where precision, innovation, and continuous improvement are essential.

“What makes this program so valuable is its direct connection to our day-to-day manufacturing challenges,” says John Therriault, Managing Director and President of Nolato Vermont. “Employees are gaining education that translates immediately into process improvements, innovation, and stronger collaboration across teams. This partnership delivers real results for both our people and our operations.”
 

Graduates of the Nolato Manufacturing Technology Leadership Program are recognized at Vermont State University Randolph. From left: Nolato Vermont employees and program graduates Benjamin McCoy and Amanda Merrill, Managing Director and President of Nolato Vermont John Therriault, and Nolato Vermont employee and program graduate Jackson Pierson.

 

From the classroom to the shop floor

As part of their graduation, McCoy, Pierson, and Merrill each presented a senior engineering project focused on solving a real challenge within Nolato’s manufacturing processes. The projects reflected not only technical skill, but also confidence, leadership, and the ability to turn theory into action.

For Jackson Pierson, CNC/EDM Specialist at Nolato Vermont, the program opened new doors.

“The program supported my career growth in multiple ways,” he says. “I learned things outside of work that I now use every day. It also allowed me to work toward an engineering degree that can take my career further. The diversity of what we learned—from machining fundamentals to CAD and digital tools—was incredibly valuable.”

Amanda Merrill, Lead Quality Assurance Technician & Training Specialist, highlights how the program strengthened both her technical and collaborative capabilities.

“Through this program, I gained invaluable skills that enhanced my ability to find innovative solutions and collaborate effectively across different teams,” she says. “It empowered me to make a greater impact within my organization.”

Merrill’s journey continues. By combining the leadership program with Nolato Vermont’s tuition reimbursement benefit, she is now on track to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, further demonstrating how structured support can unlock long-term growth.

Investing in people, strengthening communities

Now in its fifth graduating cohort, the Manufacturing Technology Leadership Program reflects a shared commitment to workforce development, lifelong learning, and regional strength. The credits earned can be applied toward VTSU degree pathways, supporting continued education while helping to build a resilient, highly skilled manufacturing workforce in Vermont.

For Nolato, the program is also a clear expression of its values—investing in people, fostering expertise, and building partnerships that last.

As Benjamin McCoy, Jackson Pierson, and Amanda Merrill step forward with new skills and confidence, they represent more than individual achievement. They are living proof that when industry and education work together, the result is not only stronger businesses—but stronger futures.