American Manufacturing Careers Return with CNC Machining

While employers are hungry for skilled Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining operators, technical CNC training programs are busy educating the machinists of the future. CNC training sets up students for a promising career with great job opportunities available after graduation. From both an employer's and graduate's perspective, knowing which skills are desired and the training needed for that skill set makes it easier to transition from school to a career.

The world of manufacturing is not what it once was. Before manufacturing was outsourced overseas in the 20th century, manual machinists were taught through apprenticeships and America was a leader in the industry. Once the grounds shifted, however, the need for machinists declined. But the times are changing yet again. Many companies are looking to put the "made in America" label back on their products, and that often starts with manufacturing. The need is growing rapidly for machinists with an advanced understanding of computer technology, an eye for detail and a love of working with their hands.

While this may mark a shift on the American job front, it is not uncharted territory. Bringing the process back to the U.S. allows for better quality standards and may strengthen the rebounding economy. As 21 percent of large U.S. manufacturers are returning—or planning to return—production back to the states, employers are searching for knowledgeable employees to fill their payroll.

Lincoln continues to seek out and establish new partnerships and programs around the country to bridge the gap between skilled graduates of CNC training schools and the employers looking to hire them. Gaining influential partners has helped the program become even more valuable to students.  Hurco Companies, Inc., a leading manufacturer of CNC equipment headquartered in Indianapolis, is providing the latest models of its machines for Lincoln’s program on their Indianapolis campus. In Grand Prairie, Texas, Lincoln has paired up with Haas Automation. With the ability to work with professional-grade equipment, students will be one step ahead of the competition when they graduate.

Hurco’s President Greg Volovic is excited to partner with Lincoln, noting Lincoln's national reach can be used to educate the public about 21st-century manufacturing in America. The old ways are becoming obsolete and new technology is taking over. “Lincoln’s commitment to applied education and their grasp on the role of technology in manufacturing helps create a quality program where students can attain the education they need in order to launch new careers in the manufacturing sector,” Volovic says.

Todd Clark, Executive Director of Lincoln’s Indianapolis campus, agrees.  “This [support from Hurco] will mean great things for the manufacturing industry and for our students—as many of them will have the opportunity to be considered for jobs with Hurco and its partners upon graduation,” Clark says.

Lincoln College of Technology provides CNC machining programs in Texas, Indiana and the New York/New Jersey area. All of these locations provide students with excellent opportunities throughout their training and even after graduation. With a quality education, students will be prepared to head out into the professional realm and put their training to work.

With the quality education in CNC Machining and Manufacturing Technology offered by the Lincoln Group of Schools, the CNC industry will have a large pool of qualified applicants to select from. After industry-specific training in areas such as blueprint reading, precision measurement, Computer-Aided-Design and Computer-Aided-Manufacturing software, and preparation for certification exams, students will confidently know their way around the professional realm. Lincoln's graduates can go on to earn their credentials from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) in the areas of materials, measurement and safety, job planning, bench work, milling, CNC Turning and CNC Operator, which allows them to further their career path even more.