Machinist / Computerized Numerical Control (CNC)

Connection to High School (Non-Credit) 

Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) created a career awareness Summer Institute to introduce students to the Advanced Manufacturing industry. Students were informed about the technology driving the manufacturing industry forward, such as precision machining, computerized numeric control (CNC), and 3D Printing. This 3-day career awareness program was piloted April 11-13, 2023 at RVCC’s Workforce Training Center for 20 Hunterdon Central High School students during the students’ Easter Break. Following the pilot, RVCC will conduct expanded outreach to Justice Impacted learners, Veterans, and underserved communities in an effort to drive awareness of the Summer Institute that is scheduled for June 2023.  

Camden County College (CCC) developed marketing material to demonstrate the pathways they offer including the Precision Machinist Certificate of Achievement and the Associate of Applied Science in Precision Machining. Outreach activities by CCC included: (1) a Career Symposium and tour of college labs, (2) the All Camden County High School Counselors Program Symposium, and (3) STEM Day events. Camden County Technical School is a key education partner directing students to CCC’s program.  

County College of Morris worked with the Morris County Vocational School District to plan and deliver a Career Awareness Day for students from around the county who are interested in advanced manufacturing. The event was held on February 20, students from 10 different high schools. Students were introduced to manual machining and microelectronics through hands-on activities. 

Connection to High Schools (Non-Credit) 

Raritan Valley Community College developed an Advanced Manufacturing program with four high schools: (1) Somerset Vocational Technical High School, (2) Bound Brook High School, (3) Manville High School, and (4) Franklin High School. Students learn Conventional and CNC Machining, Programming Setup and Operations, and earn industry-recognized National Institute for Metalworking (NIMS) credentials. 

Connection to 4-Year College/University  

Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) established a 2+2 articulation agreement with New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Students who earn the Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology degree at RVCC can transfer to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology or Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology at NJIT. 

Adult Learners/Pilot 

Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) piloted two Registered Apprenticeships that support adult learners, unemployed workers, and incumbent workers with tracks to new employment and career advancement: (1) Machinists and (2) CNC Operator – Milling. Outreach is done through RVCC’s 3D Printing summer boot camps, AWS welding offerings, information sessions provided to other students enrolled in our Pre-apprenticeship program, Student Success Program, Title II Literacy Programs, and other enrichment programs offered by RVCC.  The pilot was comprised of 12 apprentices: 3 still currently active each apprenticeship and 6 completed and received their journey person card. 

Camden County College (CCC) implements two Pre-Apprenticeship Manufacturing boot camps per year. Outreach to unemployed workers is done in partnership with NJDOL with outreach to residents in Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties. In 2022, 22 individuals participated in the training. Additionally, for incumbent workers, CCC promotes the Online Machine Operator Apprenticeship program to state wide NJ employers.  This online program developed by CCC began in 2019; to date 124 incumbent workers have participated in the apprenticeship program. 

Adult Learners/Pilot  

The Core Bootcamp at the County College of Morris (CCM) is a 6-week entry level advanced manufacturing training program, that prepares students with no or little experience for placement with a company as an apprentice or entry level employee. Topics include safety (OSHA-10 certification), CAD/CAM Level 1, manual machining, and intro to CNC. 

Using braided funding CCM extended the Core Bootcamp to include Level 2 CAD and CAM coursework and additional NIMS certification preparation. Students were eligible to sit for a Solidworks certification, as well as NIMS Job Planning, Bench Work & Layout and Measurement, Materials & Safety.  

Through the pilot, 21 NIMS certificates were earned.  

Professional Development 

Raritan Valley Community College is partnering with FESTO, NC3, Rutgers Health (OSHA Outreach) and ARM to offer specific customized training to our instructors to improve their overall machinist skills, as well as their ability to manage a hands-on classroom.    

Camden County College (CCC) created a Train the Trainer material for the CNC Machinist program including an instructors’ lesson plan for a 15-week class. The class is intended to be a 7-credit 10-contact hour class and is used to teach CIM-101 (Machine Shop Practice) and CIM-221 (CNC Programming and CAM) at CCC. These two classes are bundled together for a “Boot Camp” program. The material created also includes a PDF file of lecture notes to assist students.