The Jefferson College Computer Integrated Manufacturing program was recently awarded a $15,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation for student scholarships, instructional materials, industry credentialing, and other efforts that promote advanced manufacturing education.
Currently there is a high demand for manufacturing technicians and skilled tradespeople in Jefferson County and the surrounding region. In many instances, jobs are so plentiful that there are not enough workers to fill needed positions. Most students in the Jefferson College CIM program receive job offers before they complete their training.
This is the fourth consecutive year that the CIM program has received grant funds from the Gene Haas Foundation, whose primary goal is to build skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships for CNC technology students and credentialing by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
Industry-recognized credentials provide trusted, external validation of the quality and rigor of the CIM program. Students benefit from the increased employability and competitiveness that comes with industry certification.
Jefferson College CIM Assistant Professor Matt West has been trained in the delivery of NIMS certification exams. Certification exams are embedded within CIM courses.
Students in the CIM program learn computer integration in industrial manufacturing, which is the key to providing high precision and intricate machined metal parts into the world's growing demand for extremely technical design using computer aided drafting and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Jefferson College CIM graduates are prepared to enter careers as CNC Operators, CNC Programmers, CNC Set-up, CNC Machinists, Manufacturing Technicians, and Research and Development Technicians.
For more information about applying to the Jefferson College Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) program, visit https://www.jeffco.edu/academics/computer-integrated-manufacturing or call Enrollment Services at (636) 481-3209.
