Earning Criteria

• High School Diploma or GED
• Entry requirements into program include passing a vigorous application process including aptitude test, interview screening, background checks are evaluated on a case by case basis, and drug tests are pass/fail with no exceptions.
• OSHA 10-Hour: General Industry
• Forklift Safety Training
• Hand Tool Use:  24-hours – Students gain an entry-level understanding of all hand tools associated with advanced manufacturing. Students have access to all basic hand tools and benchwork in order to understand which tool is right and safest for every job. Tools run the gamut of all facets of manufacturing so students will be able to work in shops throughout the industry.
• Shop Math and Measurement: 54-hours – Students learn the basics of measurement, the English and metric systems as well as basic trigonometry, and learn to use measuring tools. Students sit for the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) exam for Measurement, Materials and Safety Certification at the end of the course based on skills learned partly in this section.
• Blueprint Reading and AutoCAD: 57-hours – Students gain an entry-level understanding of blue print reading and AutoCAD. Students understand all notes, abbreviations and symbols and learn to read and intercept drawings. Additionally, they learn to map 2D and 3D drawings with AutoCAD software.
• Machining: 60-hours – Students gain an entry-level understanding of machining. Instruction is both academic and hands-on, including but not limited to: grinding, band saw and blades, drill press, lathes, milling machines and CNC machining.  Students demonstrate ability to operate all of the above listed machines and have a basic understanding of machine programming and coding where appropriate.
• Welding:  42-hours – Students gain an entry-level understanding of welding and plasma cutting. Instruction begins on a welding simulator and eventually graduates to hands-on welding where students learn stick and MIG welding. Students are trained in safety procedures associated with welding and leave with an understanding of how to complete a weld from start to finish.
• Workplace and Employability Skills: 12-hours – Students work with a career coach/job developer to learn employability skills. Specifically, students work to develop a resume and hone their interviewing skills. Students are coached through employer interviews and ultimately placed in a job or apprenticeship upon graduating the program.
• Personal Finance: 3 hours – Students learn the importance of budgeting, saving and managing their finances. Students learn how to manage their own personal budgets and gain a better understanding of financially planning for the future.