By Staff Reports
POWELL, Ala. — Northeast Alabama Community College officials are pleased to announce that the Machine Tool Program has been awarded $20,000 for student scholarships and eligible competitions that showcase Manufacturing and CNC Machining programs.
The award was given by the Gene Haas Foundation whose primary goal is to build skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships and National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials for CNC machine tool technology students.
Students in the Machine Tool Program excel. Last year NACC Machine Tool students earned four medals at the Alabama SkillsUSA State competitions. They were:
• GOLD- “CNC Milling Specialist” Caleb West
• GOLD- “CNC Technician” John Westmoreland
• SILVER- “CNC Technician” Logan Tidwell
• BRONZE- “CNC Milling Specialist” Brandon Davis
NACC offers a short-term certificate in Machine Tool Technology, as well as certificate and degree options in the Industrial Systems Technology program. Some students may choose to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree in technology. In this case, follow the STARS Guide to learn which courses may transfer.
The Machine Tool Technology program at Northeast is industry-driven and focused on preparing graduates for the workforce. Certifications are embedded into the curriculum so that students will earn industry Certifications and Certificates as they progress in the program. Graduates of the Machine Tool Technology program at Northeast can design, prototype, and build parts all while maintain the machines and assuring safety in the shop environment. This challenging program prepares students for all aspects of machine tool technology, including design, CNC programming, troubleshooting, advanced manufacturing, and creating innovative solutions.
“The opportunities are endless at NACC,” said John Quaid Westmoreland, AAS graduate of the Machine Tool Technology program at Northeast. “NACC is the start of new career opportunities. NACC not only teaches students but they also help find them jobs in the field that they are studying. They have a long list of companies looking for people fresh out of school looking to start a lifelong career.”
The occupational outlook includes a 23% projected growth expected in job positions for machinists in Alabama between now and 2024. The median hourly wage for machinists in Alabama is approximately $22 (America’s CareerInfoNet, 2015; earnings vary based on experience, education, and location).
For more information about the Machine Tool Technology program at NACC, contact Instructor Hugo DeAngelis, at 256-638-4418 or 256-228-6001, ext. 2813. Email him at deangelish@nacc.edu.
Early registration for Spring Semester is going on now. See your advisor or someone in the Admissions Office to enroll. Regular registration is January 4 and classes begin January 7.
For additional college information, go to www.nacc.edu or download the free App at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Follow NACC on social media.