Austin Polytech started its adult machining training program November 14th, with ten adults. Trainees were thrilled for the opportunity to study in the modern WaterSaver Faucet Manufacturing Technology Center at Austin Polytech to earn NIMS machining credentials with the expectation of landing high paying jobs in the manufacturing sector. This program is the latest example of Polytech's mission to contribute to the development of the greater Austin community.
The Center for Labor and Community Research led the effort to address this local skills gap by developing an adult machining training program similar to what Polytech students take during the school day. The program is taught by NIMS Instructor Pablo Varela. He will provide 280 hours of classroom and lab instruction which covers manual machining and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining.
Trainees who successfully complete the program will earn the CNC Operator Certification, as well as the more advanced CNC Set-Up, Program, and Operator Credential, from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). These industry-designed, portable credentials are respected by manufacturers throughout the United States. Several participants, including Ms.Toni Richard, view the training sessions positively and recognize the benefits of adult education: "I'm into manufacturing already, so I wanted to advance my career . . . I am a machine operator, and it is really different from what I am doing here. With a CNC machine you just program it and stuff comes out," said Ms. Richard as she completed her class work.
Beyond skills and the credentials associated with the classroom experience, there is also a sense of camaraderie instilled among the participants as they join together to complete their coursework and move toward identifying job opportunities. The adult program will continue to meet every Monday and Wednesday for another 10 months. The goal is for every student to acquire credentials leading to a high-paying manufacturing job. Stay tuned for program updates and results.
If you're interested in applying, please call (773) 534-6326 or enter your email address below to sign up for the AMTC mailing list.
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Advanced manufacturing is the business of designing and building complex, high-tech products, such as airplanes, wind turbines, and medical equipment. As low-skilled jobs are outsourced to developing countries, U.S. companies desperately need thousands of high-skilled workers who can operate sophisticated, computerized machines. Demand for these skills will continue to grow. In 2009, employees placed by ManufacturingWorks earned starting wages from $12.34 to $23.87 per hour. An entry-level job in manufacturing provides many opportunities for promotion into skilled production, management, and even company ownership.
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The AMTC offers technical training in Austin Polytechnical Academy’s state of the art Manufacturing Technology Center, which features the same high-tech equipment used in advanced manufacturing companies. Trainees will learn to operate Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines, and earn the CNC Operator and CNC Setup, Program, and Operator certificates from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). These certificates serve as proof of your skills, and are valued and respected by employers around the country.
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Our program includes 280 hours of classroom instruction. Classes meet two evenings a week for 44 weeks. As the program grows, weekend sessions and possibly summer daytime classes will be offered.
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Trainees must have at least a ninth grade level of math and reading skills, and all applicants will be screened for general employability skills. Specific machining or manufacturing experience is not required. A good work history, an interest in making things, and/or mechanical aptitude are all pluses. Applicants must be drug-free. Family members of Austin Polytechnical Academy students will be given preference, if they meet all the enrollment requirements. We encourage everyone to apply. We also
encourage businesses to enroll their current employees.
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Yes. Students or employers can pay the tuition. Unemployed or underemployed students may be eligible for tuition assistance through government programs. Tuition pays only a fraction of the cost of the AMTC’s program. The rest of the cost is paid for by local companies that need our graduates and by foundations that want to support community development in Austin.
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