Students participate in hands-on training to learn Computer Numerical Control machining skills. (Photo by Tim Ill)
Applications are now being accepted for the next Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining accelerated program cohort. The program begins on Sept. 14, and there are vacancies available. Note that the program was scheduled to begin Sept. 8, but the start date has been changed to Sept. 14.
“This is a growing field in the manufacturing industry and many companies in the Reno area need CNC operators,” said Jim New, Dean of Technical Sciences. “There will be CNC technicians needed at Tesla Motors. Large corporations may need more production technicians than CNC, but with each company needing a handful of CNC operators, the numbers of opportunities multiply greatly.”
New said that in addition to robust openings for those skilled in CNC, the benefits are solid for trained employees.
“Wages are generous,” he said. “Working conditions are good – you’re inside in an environment where you are recognized as a highly skilled technician. There is great growth potential in this career.”
Computer Numerical Control is technology that is widely used in manufacturing. The operator creates customized machine parts with the help of a computer. CNC technicians produce high quality, precision machined components for a wide variety of applications and industries.
Students in the program attend classes Monday through Thursday during the day. Successful completion will earn a CNC Machining Certificate of Achievement from TMCC.
Accelerated Pacing
Students can successfully complete the training program in a time-efficient way – the comprehensive model includes book skills, hands-on training with CNC equipment, business speech communications and math preparation built right into the classes.
The Right Skills Now CNC Machining Accelerated Program is a job training course made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, in addition to partnerships with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) and a state nonprofit, Dream It, Do It Nevada.
Right Skills Now is a curriculum model endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The curriculum involves 16 weeks of intensive, hands-on training in Computer Numerical Control automated systems. Students learn about CNC equipment and how to read blueprints. They also learn metric conversion, introductory geometric dimensioning and tolerances, shop math, inspection and quality control techniques.
The accelerated machining program has been developed using input from local companies to identify the education and training needed for entry level employment. Potential employers interview candidates for the machining program as part of the screening process.
Participants completing the program achieve a level of the National Career Readiness Certification and earn 31 TMCC credits toward a certificate or degree in machining. They will take tests to earn National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certificates. Four of these certificates represent competencies that can reasonably be expected of an individual with one year’s worth of on-the-job experience.
A one- to three-credit internship is available and is highly recommended, said Randy Walden, Director of Technical Sciences.
Accelerated training enables students to be a part of a “learning community” who study or practice together and provide encouragement to fellow cohort members. By having the support of their collegial group, students most often find these cohorts to be an empowering way to learn, Walden said.
The development of this program was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Training Administration as part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) program. The TAACCCT program assists community colleges to rapidly supply qualified participants with the skills and credentials required to fill in-demand, technical positions.
Class sizes are limited. For more information about accelerated workforce training programs, contact Cheryl Olson at 775-856-5304.