STCC student gains hands-on experience with internship at Springfield Armory

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – At Springfield Technical Community College, students don’t just learn in the classroom – they gain real-world experience that prepares them for future success.

For Johnancir Roldan, a Landscape Design and Management major, that means spending his summer working outdoors at a historic national site located right on the STCC campus.

Roldan is currently serving as an American Conservation Experience (ACE) Landscape Conservation Steward at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. He’s getting his hands dirty with meaningful work that ranges from plant care to general maintenance – tasks that include mowing, trimming, leaf blowing, and even changing air filters. His journey to the internship shows how STCC connects students to opportunities that help shape their careers.

“I chose Landscape Design and Management because I like working with plants,” Roldan said. His passion led him to STCC, where supportive faculty and staff played a big role in opening doors.

“My landscape professor (Thomas Smith) told me about the internship and encouraged me to apply. He also gave me a reference,” Roldan said.

The opportunity was also made possible through the efforts of Nathan Andary, Director of Career Services at STCC. Andary continuously seeks out internship opportunities for STCC students and alumni. He successfully worked with the historic Springfield Armory to create a unique internship for a landscape architecture student, blending landscape design with heritage conservation.

“This unique partnership provided Johnancir with hands-on experience in preserving and enhancing the Armory’s historic grounds and connected him with a credentialed reference that will benefit his future employment opportunities,” Andary said. “The collaboration marked a significant achievement in providing Johnancir with real-world, career-focused experience in his field of study.”

This unique partnership provided Johnancir with hands-on experience in preserving and enhancing the Armory’s historic grounds and connected him with a credentialed reference that will benefit his future employment opportunities. Nathan Andary, Director of Career Services at STCC

Samantha Plourd, Dean of Enrollment, Retention and Completion at STCC, said, “STCC students gain skills and build confidence through real-world opportunities. Whether it’s in landscape management, business, healthcare or technology, internships are a powerful way to grow personally and professionally. We are thrilled to partner with the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, which has given several of our students experience over recent years.”

Since starting the internship, Roldan has gained a deeper appreciation for the broad scope of landscape conservation. The internship has also sparked new insights about his field.

“I am passionate about conservation and the goals of the National Park Service,” he said.

Springfield Armory National Historic Site has been fostering and supporting internships heavily over the past four years, partnering with STCC with both the Landscape and Heating/Venting/Air Conditioning (HVAC) programs. The Armory provides students with hands-on opportunities that complement their coursework and develop valuable job skills.

Matthew Chapman, Facilities and Resources Chief with the National Park Service, said Roldan and other interns are on site this summer working on different programs.

“All interns get a multitude of opportunities to broaden their experience while at the Armory,” Chapman said. “This year John (Roldan) was chosen for the landscape internship, and he has been amazing utilizing the skills that STCC has given him. He is driven to learn and is always a team player. We look forward to seeing more from him over the next four months and can’t wait to see what he does with his career.”

Roldan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and credited STCC for laying the foundation that helped him succeed.

“STCC has given me the skills that I'm developing here at the Armory,” he said.

When asked what advice he would give to other students considering internships, Roldan didn’t hesitate.

“Go for it,” he said. “You’re more skilled and desirable to employers than you think. I had no job experience before this, but STCC gave them confidence in my abilities. Also, make sure it’s paid. No free labor.”

Among the many accomplishments he’s proud of, one stands out: learning how to operate an off-terrain vehicle (OTV).

Looking ahead, Roldan has big plans. After graduating from STCC, he hopes to transfer to UMass to study landscape architecture and eventually become a licensed landscape architect.

With his drive, experience and the support of STCC, there’s no doubt he’s on the right path.

For more information about STCC career services, visit stcc.io/careerservices. Employers and students can contact Nathan Andary, Director of Career Services at nandary2401@stcc.edu or 413-755-5419 for full services, assistance or information.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, jdanko@stcc.edu, (413) 755-4812

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