By Bo Sellers
Understanding the need to continue to grow the workforce in West Virginia, the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI), Marshall University and Pierpont Community & Technical College (CTC) have joined forces to offer a nationally recognized program in machinist technology and computer numerical control (CNC) machining that leads to careers that are in high demand both nationally and in West Virginia.
“Through this partnership, RCBI’s machinist technology/CNC program will continue to offer rigorous, specialized, hands-on instruction that prepares individuals for immediate employment and lifelong professional advancement,” says Charlotte Weber, RCBI’s director and CEO. “This program is recognized and certified by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills and has a proven track record of employing 90 percent of its graduates in their chosen field.”
(L-R) RCBI Director and CEO Charlotte Weber; Marshall University President Dr. Jerome Gilbert; and Pierpont Community & Technical College President Dr. Johnny Moore.
The machinist technology/CNC program opens a career track for West Virginians interested in beginning their career as an entry-level machinist while having the opportunity to pursue more advanced certifications and college degrees needed today by manufacturers. RCBI’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center, located in Bridgeport, WV, will provide the hands-on technical instruction and preparations for students to test for national certificates, while Pierpont CTC will provide the general education courses and some technical courses needed for students to attain an associate in applied science degree. As these employees progress and grow within their careers, they will also have the opportunity to continue their education at Marshall University and advance into management and other positions of leadership.
“Innovative partnerships and a willingness to work together are what will move our state forward and take West Virginia to the next level,” says Dr. Johnny Moore, president of Pierpont CTC. “Accessible and affordable education is the key to improving our local workforce and empowering entrepreneurs and is what will attract investors to our state, so collaborations like this are an important aspect of our economic development.”
The recent maker movement that has swept the country has made its way to the Mountain State and so have the opportunities to blend old-style craftsmanship with new manufacturing techniques. Companies large and small are searching for individuals who possess the knowledge and ability to skillfully produce high-precision products for large-scale manufacturing and customized items for industry startups. Thanks to the leadership demonstrated by these educational institutions, more partnerships will form, leading to economic opportunities throughout the state and a rise in the quality of life and overall standard of living for West Virginians.
“A recent survey conducted by RCBI’s Appalachian Hatchery program found that manufacturers in West Virginia plan to hire for more than 1,000 positions,” says Weber. “The ongoing survey shows the majority of the positions will be new jobs with both new and existing companies—companies that recently located in the Mountain State and existing companies looking for qualified workers as they expand operations.”
This study also indicates a high demand for workers in specific areas such as machining, CNC machining and welding.
In West Virginia, industry and postsecondary education will continue to work together for innovative solutions leading to a highly skilled workforce that improves the state’s competitiveness and economic opportunities. Collaborative partnership between industry and education is the core component of workforce education, and the machinist technology/CNC program is an example of how this can be accomplished successfully in West Virginia.
About the Author
Bo Sellers is the director of marketing and public relations at Pierpont Community & Technical College. He has worked in higher education for more than 15 years in workforce education and professional development and serves as an adjunct faculty member. Sellers holds a master’s degree in communication studies with an emphasis in corporate and organizational communication from West Virginia University.
