Great Bay Com. College shows off new training facility during Tri-City Chamber event

The chamber event drew businesspeople and entrepreneurs from Rochester, Dover and Somersworth. (Rochester Voice photo)

ROCHESTER - Great Bay Community College showed of its state-of-the-art Advanced Technology & Academic Center at the Lilac Mall during a Tri-City Chamber Business After Hours event on Tuesday.

More than 100 businesspeople, civic leaders and entrepreneurs from Rochester, Dover and Somersworth gathered for the informal event.

Between networking, sipping on wine or beer and enjoying a host of delicious hors d'oeuvres, eventgoers were treated to a tour of Great Bay's cutting-edge training center, where job training for composites production at Rochester businesses like Safron and Albany Intl., goes on every day.

Great Bay officials said their coursework can prepare students for jobs at both businesses in as little as six months after which they can complete their associate's degree part time while working full shifts at either facility or at other workplaces.

Inside the Rochester campus students learn the skills needed to be successful at Safran or Albany Intl., using state-of-the-art machining tools and 3D imagery to craft composites for jet engines and other aerospace technology.

Tuesday's Business after Hours was co-sponsored by the Greater Dover, Rochester, and Somersworth Chambers of Commerce.