CUTTING INTO THE FUTURE, STUDENTS GET JUMP START

(April 4, 2008) . . .  Machining Technology, one of the more detailed programs at Indiana County Technology Center, can help students prepare themselves for a career anywhere from a precision grinder, to a mechanical engineering technician. Instructed by Mr. Keith McCracken, and assisted by Ms. Jane Miller, students can get the education to move them forward! Students in machining technology have the opportunity to run state-of-the-art equipment such as a Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) Machine. Many programs at ICTC give students the opportunity to earn industry level certifications, and machining technology isn’t one to be left out. ICTC students in machining technology have the chance to receive the National Institute for Metal Working (NIMS) certifications.

NIMS stands for National Institute for Metal Working. It is a nationally recognized certification. The NIMS certification demonstrates a standard level of performance. To complete the certification successfully, you must make machine mechanisms that are a 100 percent replica to the blue print specifications.

Sophomores in the program start with learning the fundamentals of different machines and their functions. They learn hand operations, sign filing, debarring, and basic milling.

Juniors start their NIMS certification process. Second year students also have tightened tolerance and must be more precise. They have a wider variety of machines and go into some bench work also.

Seniors in machining finish their NIMS certification and CNC competencies.

Machining Technology made the aluminum “stinger” bee for a memorial at Marion Center High School. However Mr. McCracken states, “Most of our materials get buried in a mechanism.” With that, you don’t get to fully admire the work that machining completes, except knowing that the machine must have the parts to function correction.

Jake Adams, a junior from United High School enrolled in machining technology after his friend informed him of the program. His career goal is to become a machinist apprentice. When asked what he’d hope to achieve from the program he replied, “A good-paying career doing something I’ll enjoy.”

Andrew Mock, a senior from Purchase Line High School is successfully completing the machining program and is now participating in a co-op program. The co-op program enables students to enter the workforce a few days a week, gaining important work skills and experience. Andy joined the machining program in his sophomore year in determination to learn how to operate a CAM program. Andy’s career goal is to become a CNC Programmer. In co-op, Andrew hopes to get his four-year apprenticeship program to earn his journeyman papers to show that he can operate the noted machinery. Andy enjoys co-op with Indiana Tool and Die saying, “It’s going wonderfully! I’m learning more and earning money while doing it. There are plenty of job opportunities out there for a machinist.”

If you are a student who strides for perfection, is very precise, and if you enjoy creating parts that make mechanisms work, machining technology at ICTC might be just for you!

Students get Aid in Continuing Education

Scholarship applications were on display for students that plan on continuing their education in a trade school or college. There are seven scholarships available to the ICTC students. Scholarships range from $500 to 1000 dollars, and some can be renewed up to two years! Sponsors from the ICTC Education Association, Kiwanis Club, Rotary, Women of the Moose, Indiana County Department of Human Services and Volunteer Center, Indiana Regional Medical Center, and ICTC will be presenting these awards to deserving individuals at ICTC at the end of the year.

For more information on the ICTC, click here.

###