ASHLAND — ACTC’s Computerized Manufacturing and Machining program is enrolling students for the fall semester.

ACTC offers two diplomas and three certificates to prepare graduates for machine shop employment. Certificate and diploma credits may be applied toward an Associate in Applied Science Degree in  General Occupational/Technical Studies.
Stephen Music, program coordinator, said the CMM program provides students with the training necessary to obtain high-paying jobs in precision manufacturing.

“In this comprehensive program, students receive theoretical and practical experience in the care and use of machine tools such as conventional lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, saws, drill presses and CNC machining and turning centers, along with wire EDM machines, working to achieve precise tolerances, technical drafting, computer numerical control programming (CNC), CAD-CAM training, metallurgy, tool making, fixture design and precision measurements,” Music said.

Work activities in machine shops involve applying knowledge of machine capabilities, the properties of material and shop practices to set up and operate various machines. Through classroom instruction, demonstration and hands-on experience, students will learn to position work pieces, adjust machines and verify the accuracy of machine functions and finished products.

“Employment opportunities are steadily increasing; almost every product manufactured requires the skills of a highly trained precision machinist,” Music said. “You will find opportunities for employment in manufacturing plants, private machine shops and through self-employment.”

Employment opportunities include machine tool operator, CNC machinist, maintenance and repair machinist, tool and die maker, manual machinist and quality technician.

While the field of machining is commonly known for manufacturing metal products, Music said, precision machining reaches far beyond the heavy duty industrial world comprised of metal parts and components.

“Plastics that shape our everyday life and countless other materials rely on the versatility and precision of this process to develop high-quality consumer products, as well as the components that drive heavy industrial applications,” he said. “Either way, many of these machines or conveniences, including dishwashers, refrigerators, faucets and even cell phone cases, simply wouldn’t be a possibility without precision machining.”

ACTC offers diplomas for CNC machinist and machinist. Certificates are available for exploratory machining, machine tool operator I and machine tool operator II.

Fall classes begin on Aug. 13. The deadline to apply for admission to ACTC is July 30.

For more information on the CMM program, contact Music at 606-326-2471 or smusic0015@kctcs.edu.