Just One of Many Success Stories

Joe Bissonnette and Saravuth Kim, Seniors in the Computer-Aided Drafting and Design program, are currently getting real world experience at NFS-Radiation Protection Systems (NFSPRS. Based in Groton, Connecticut, the company has been developing and implementing engineering controls and systems for over 35 years that make working in the radiological or hazardous workplace safer, easier and more efficient.

Joe has been working for the company for over a year and a half and Saravuth began working at NFSPRS in February, 2008. Both say that they really enjoy working at NFSPRS. One aspect that they find very satisfying is being involved in every part of the production process. "We don't just help create the design for the products, we actually work on the fabrication of the actual equipment itself," said Joe.

Frank Conahan, Manager of Engineering at NFSPRS, says that he has been very impressed by the work done by Joe and Saravuth. "They have been fanatastic. They are fast learners and they have an excellent work ethic." He said that he hopes to take on more Norwich Tech students in the future. "We hired Shawn Hill, who was in the Work Based Learning at Norwich Tech last year. He is working for us full-time now," said Conahan.

Joe and Saravuth work from around 10 am until 5 pm when they are in shop and work after school when they are in academics. Both say that their Work Based Learning experience at NFSPRS has helped them decide that they want to continue working in the field of manufacturing design and engineeering after they graduate. Joe summarized his experience. "It's been great. I get to help develop very sophisticated, high tech equipment. How many high school students can say that?"

Joe and Saravuth with Project Manager Tim Macietowkski
with one of the misting booths that they helped build
for customers in the pharmaceutical industry

Left to right: Frank Conahan - Manager of Engineering, Saravuth Kim,
Joe Bissonnette, Shawn Hill, and Tim Macierowski - Project Manager