Help Wanted: The Triad Needs Skilled Machinists

Published on: July 24, 2018

JAMESTOWN, N.C. (July 24, 2018) — Guilford Technical Community College is holding an open house event for its Computer Integrated Machining program on Thursday, July 26 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jamestown campus.   

“Machining is everywhere,” said Instructor Derek Seeke. “Machinists may not make the shirt you are wearing but they build the machines that manufacture the material.”

In the Triad, advanced manufacturing is a growing cluster and companies like Machine Specialties Inc. (MSI) in Whitsett and Columbiana Hi Tech in Greensboro need highly skilled machinists with the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems.

MSI produces machined parts for aerospace, medical, military, commercial, and energy industries. The company’s continued growth is driven in part by having qualified machinists to do the work. “We want people who desire a career in manufacturing, not just a job,” says Tammy Simmons who oversees marketing and culture at MSI.

Seeke says that the career opportunities for machinists are plentiful and diverse. “From aerospace to the medical field, you never know what you could be making or doing. We deal with all types of materials and it is easy to move around,” he added.

Brian Wilson, a recent graduate of GTCC’s Computer Integrated Machining program, is putting his skills to work at Royal Diadem Jewelers. Wilson, who also holds a certificate in welding, was attracted to machining’s versatility.

“You have the ability to design and make things versus welding where it is more repair and assembly,” he says. “With machining, you often have to come up with solutions and be able to think outside the box.”

According to the United States Bureau and Labor Statistics, machinists can earn as much as $63,790 in annual wages.

GTCC’s Computer Integrated Machining is offered as a two-year program and prepares students for entry-level positions in manual and computer numeric control machining (CNC). Courses include blueprint reading, metrology, computer-aided drafting, computer-aided manufacturing, manual machining (mills and lathes) and CNC mills and lathes.

With its new Center for Advanced Manufacturing, GTCC is committed to helping local industry build a talent pipeline of qualified machinists. Opening this year, the 242,000 square-foot facility will house three of GTCC’s growing programs, including Computer Integrated Machining. Students will have access to the latest manufacturing technology with the addition of new machinery to provide real-world training and experience.

The deadline to register for the Fall 2018 semester is August 7. For more information about the open house event, contact Derek Seeke at 336-334-4822, extension 53088 or dgseeke@gtcc.edu.

 

Event Details

What:     Machining Open House

When:    Thursday, July 26 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where:   GTCC Jamestown Campus

                   Medlin Campus Center, Room 100

                   601 East Main Street

                  Jamestown, N.C.

Guilford Technical Community College is the fourth largest of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. GTCC serves more than 35,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu. Back to All Articles