South Piedmont CC will use this Golden LEAF grant to support a national machining certification (NIMS) to build a secondary to post-secondary industry credential to college program. The Machining Credential to College Credit & Apprenticeship Project will teach manufacturing credentials to high school and adult students that then enter an apprenticeship program with local industry leading to employment in metal working industries. Nine companies have identified over 324 jobs in advanced manufacturing (production, machining, assembly, engineering and industrial technology) and have expressed interest in being a partner in the combined training / on-site work experience program. Funds are requested to seed the apprenticeship program, purchase machining equipment required for NIMS certification training, support instructor salaries, pay for professional development to deliver training in NIMS and MSSC, to assist with transportation for high school students and cover certification test fees.
