“We’re trying to let students experience what careers are,” said Andrew Bachmann, Chairman of the Board of DYMAX Corporation. Mr. Bachmann was addressing a group of thirteen local students and an equal number of adults in kicking off the latest in a series of programs for the Community, Education, and Business Partnership.

The CEBP is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. The idea behind this initiative is to connect students with local companies by providing hands-on learning experiences and demonstrating potential career paths. “We wish to educate students and community members about the products and services offered in the area,” explained JoAnn Ryan, Chamber of Commerce President. “Coupled with that, we are hoping to attract local talent into companies in order to create the next generation of technical and manufacturing careers. To maintain our competitiveness, we need to build a high quality science and engineering base to keep attracting technical companies to Northwest Connecticut.”

As Cooperative Work Experience coordinator at Wolcott Tech, Gerry Gryguc had recruited seven Electronics Technology students, with the help of Al Valetta, ET Department Head, to participate in the DYMAX program. The program was held at the DYMAX plant in Torrington on Thursday, March 1st from 3-6 PM. Joined by six more students from area schools, the seven Wolcott Tech Juniors could quickly tell they were in for a different experience.

After Mr. Bachmann greeted everyone and explained the purpose of the CEBP, he adroitly pulled the students to a demonstration table where each student was asked to slide two glass slides together with a drop of DYMAX adhesive in between. This they were all able to do until, one by one, Mr. Bachmann directed a purplish UV light source onto the slides which instantly bonded them together. The astonished students and adults had had their introduction to the goings on at DYMAX, a high-tech chemical adhesive company. “Our products help keep consumer costs down. You will experience what our products do and how they do it,” he said.

Herman Reiss, one of the multitude of DYMAX employees assigned to the group, then took the students on a tour of the building, visiting the offices, engineering department, and the plant itself.

In the R&D lab, Stephan Platzer and Patrick Vaughn demonstrated several products, including how the light curing process can be used to change the color of the adhesives. Blue colored adhesives were changed to red and then to clear simply by applying the proper light source. They also made adhesive disks fluoresce using the same method. The applications of such technology were discussed.

In the applications laboratory, Applications Engineer Jon Galaska began the hands-on portion of the program. Already wearing safety goggles in the plant, the boys donned latex gloves and lab coats to participate in several experiments. Jon set up a UV light source which was used to test common household materials for their effectiveness at blocking ultraviolet light. Items such as sunglasses, chapstick, and suntan lotion were tested. Once again the uses of such information were discussed.

In the final phase of the program, the students were allowed to experiment with the uses and curing of actual DYMAX adhesives. With Irene Boutin and Virginia Read acting as lab instructors, the boys took turns curing different substances with UV and LED light. They assembled assorted parts and were able to produce toys and gadgets that they could take home. Looking on with the growing troop of adults, JoAnn Ryan commented on the hands-on experience. “For them to be involved instead of passively listening to us rail about the opportunity-now they’re doing it. That is so important.”

At the evaluation and wrap-up meeting, Rich Razza, President of ALTEK Electronics, had an import insight for the students. ALTEK had hosted a similar program in the fall and Razza was at DYMAX to lend continued support to CEBP. “When you looked around you today, I want you to realize that there were many opportunities that you were exposed to. A company is not just the technicians and engineers you see on the floor. There are many career paths that make up what happens in a manufacturing business.” Mr. Razza went on to list all the jobs that are necessary to keep a plant going, including the service and maintenance of the high-tech building.

All the students were enthusiastic and positive throughout the afternoon. They were impressed that Mr. Bachmann, as Chairman of the Board, would be doing demonstrations for them. They were also impressed with the size of the DYMAX operation.

Wolcott Tech students Andrew Collins and Dave Notchick commented that the program was “interesting and hands-on. It was a different way of looking at a job experience. It was a good program that we would recommend to other kids.”

Lorie Nicholson, Customer Support Manager, who was with the boys throughout the day, summed up the day this way: “We have lit a spark between businesses and educators. This spark has inspired us to not only guide our children but give them insight as to what lays beyond their school doors. Our work has just started and we will continue to strive towards enhancing this program and ensure its success!”

Jerry Gryguc
March 2007