HUNTINGTON — The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) is announcing new ways to fast track training and retraining for displaced workers and others with machining experience.
RCBI is now offering individual NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) testing at its Huntington, Charleston and Bridgeport Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers for those proficient in areas of metalworking. Individuals can earn national credentials that expand employment opportunities in a very short time.
The cost is $250 for each NIMS test in any of the seven Level 1 manual metalworking skills categories.
In addition, RCBI also announces an accelerated program for machinists. Individuals testing for and earning three manual machining NIMS certifications may enroll directly in RCBI’s CNC (computer-numerical-control) machining program.
“RCBI is pleased to announce these two short term approaches to help people get back to work,” said Charlotte Weber, RCBI Director & CEO. “These programs will continue to ensure a highly skilled workforce as well as utilize individuals’ current capabilities in other industrial areas. Our new training initiatives will make it easier for coal-impacted individuals to transition to manufacturing jobs.”
RCBI’s skills program was the first of its kind in West Virginia. Since inception, RCBI’s Machinist Technology Program has graduated 509 individuals who have earned nearly 1,900 NIMS credentials.
RCBI students and apprenticeship participants received more than 97 percent of all NIMS credentials awarded in West Virginia in 2015.
For more information on RCBI’s machinist program or NIMS testing, contact Becky Calwell, Interim Director of Student Recruitment, at bcalwell@rcbi.org or call 800.469.7224.
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The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) provides leading-edge equipment, specialized training and staff expertise so entrepreneurs and manufacturers of all sizes can innovate, create jobs and thrive.
