Junior Manufacturing Tech students Edgar Garcia and Daniella Alicea are doing something many high school students would love to do. They are already working in skilled positions and are earning while they learn. Edgar and Daniella are working at Producto Moore Tool, a company based in Bridgeport which began in the 1920s. Producto Moore Tool specializes in precision manufacturing technologies and has developed a worldwide reputation for the high quality of its products and services. Edgar and Daniella both began working at Producto Moore Tool in January, 2007 as part of theWork Based Learning program. They work three days a week during their shop cycle putting in a 7 hour day.

Edgar is working on CNC milling machines in the Producto part of the company. He has been involved in a wide range of jobs already. "I really enjoy working here. I have really learned a lot," said Edgar about his experience so far. He said that he is very impressed by the team work and the efficient way things are done. He showed us a production work order and what he is required to do before it is sent on to the next department. "It all flows very smoothly," he said with a smile.

Daniella works in the Moore part of the company. She is involved in high precision inspection assignments. Quality Control Manager Jay Fernandes says that Daniella has worked out very well. "She is a fast learner and she has fit in very well here," said Fernandes. They work on a wide variety of jobs ranging from aircraft parts for Pratt and Whitney to toy parts for Lego. Daniella said that her training at Bullard-Havens helped her get ready for working at Producto Moore Tool. "I got a good foundation in machining in my classes and it has helped me get ready for this." Daniella said that she has learned a great deal and has been impressed at the level of accuracy and tolerance that is required to produce parts for the orders they receive.