PATHWAY CONNECTION

In Summer 2024, Sussex County Community College (SCCC) launched a professional development initiative aimed at building instructional capacity in the Machine Tool Technology pathway. The college hosted a two-day CNC-based training workshop for high school instructors, with a focus on preparing them to teach advanced concurrent enrollment courses.

Participants received hands-on training using industry-standard CNC equipment, including Tormach machines, and gained insights into aligning high school curriculum with postsecondary technical education standards. The professional development series not only enhances the quality of instruction but also expands dual enrollment offerings by equipping more instructors to deliver college-credit courses directly within the high school setting.

As a result, additional high schools have expressed interest in joining the pathway, and some students from other technical programs have shown renewed interest in pursuing careers in machining. This upskilling of faculty supports broader access to Machine Tool Technology education and promotes consistent instruction aligned with industry needs.