The future is here for fourth semester students in ACTC Computerized Manufacturing and Machining Technology (CMMT) Program. They can learn new 3D programming techniques to produce industrial parts on the CNC (computer numerical controlled) machines that make industrial components.
“We have the newest version of Mastercam, the most popular CAD/CAM software used by the machine tool industry,” said Stephen Music, Program Coordinator. “We are preparing students for the change to high speed machining CNC (computer numerically controlled) machines that will happen in the next generation of machine tool technology.”
“I took an earlier version of this class back in 1997 when I was a student in the program,” Music said. “It’s interesting to see how we work to keep up with the ongoing evolution of CNC technology.”
“Our students learn to use the computer controlled and manual machines that make parts for everything you use in daily life,” Music said. Although the 3D class looks at techniques that will become more common in the future, the CMMT program will continue to focus on skills used in manufacturing jobs today.
These skills include using manual tools such as milling machines, lathes and surface grinders, because those machines are still used in some small and specialty shops,” Music said. “Our main focus is on using the computer numerically controlled CNC machines that are most common today.”
Jobs are available in machine shops, tool rooms and factories. Area employers include ESMII, Flowserve Inc. and Riggs Machine Shop and Steen Cannons in Ashland; McSweeney’s Mill and Mine in South Point, OH; and Industrial Machine and Fabrication in Huntington, WV. “We have a good reputation, and when they need employees, they often call the college,” Music said.
Student Jensen M. Dyer already has a part-time job with Hydraulic Services and Supply in Ashland. “They called the college looking for an employee, and I recommended Jensen since he was a good student and reliable,” Music said.
Jensen, a Wheelersburg OH resident, drives 45 minutes to take classes at the Technology Drive Campus and go to work in Ashland. “It’s a lot of time, but absolutely worth it,” he said. “The education and one on one instruction that you get here is the best I have had. And the cost of attending is by far cheaper than state universities.”
After graduating from South Webster High School in 2013, he started at a state university. He took a course that involved machining and liked it. When financial issues caused him to look elsewhere, he found the machine tool program at ACTC. “In spite of the drive, if I had a second chance at things, I would still choose ACTC,” he said.
Employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to grow six percent from 2014 to 2024, according to the US Department of Labor Statistics. “Our graduates will probably start out at $11 to $13 an hour but can work their way up,” Music said. The mean hour wage is $20.14 in Kentucky, according to the Kentucky Occupational Outlook.
Spring classes include Fundamentals of Machine Tools, Metrology/Control Charts, Blueprint Reading and Technical Math which can be taken by beginning students. Spring classes start January 9, and the application deadline is December 26. Admissions forms and class schedules are online at: http://ashland.kctcs.edu.
For more information, email: smusic0015@kctcs.edu or call 606.326.2471.
ACTC Offers Many Computer Options
Network specialist, PC technician, database administrator, information systems manager, internetworking engineer, network security analyst, web designer and help desk technician are just a few of the jobs for computer specialists, and more titles are being added every year.
ACTC’s Computers and Information Technology (CIT) Program helps people develop skills for those increasingly specialized jobs, and all classes are online.
“Most of our graduates will probably be involved in network administration jobs, but we also have students who want to focus on a particular area, such as web design or security,” said Professor David Childress, ACTC’s CIT Program Coordinator.
“Our students can earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Technology, Network Administration, Applications, Internet Technologies or Information Security,” Childress said. “Counting all options available in the degree tracks, we now have eight choices for specialization.”
The program also offers 14 certificates to help students develop specific skills and prepare for computer industry exams.
“People entering the CIT program don’t need to be computer whizzes,” said Childress. “All they need are basic computer skills, such as those learned in an Introduction to Computer class, and an interest to learn.”
December 26 is the application deadline for Spring Semester classes. For more information on your options for a computer career, email Professor Childress at: david.childress@kctcs.edu. For degree requirements and semester class plans, go to: http://tinyurl.com/CITACTC.
