Enroll now: Polk State Computer Numeric Control Program is powering up for January classes

Polk State College’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Production Specialist Program is accelerating into the new year, driving workforce opportunity, innovation and career transformation.

With expert instruction, state-of-the-art equipment, strong industry partnerships and grant-funding opportunities, the program is currently enrolling for its next class that will start in January.

Hands-on, high-tech training

At the heart of the program is James Gibbons – better known as Mr. Gibb – who has led the program for nearly 10 years. With decades of experience in machining, Gibbons knows the ins and outs of the industry – and how to teach them.

“The industry is starving for machinists,” Gibbons said.

Housed at Polk State’s Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center in Bartow, the CNC Program is centrally and conveniently located in Polk County, where students receive immersive, hands-on training on two-axis CNC lathes, three-axis mills, grinders, metrology and more.

The curriculum emphasizes both practical shop skills and advanced programming equipping students with the tools to succeed in today’s high-tech manufacturing environment.

Upon completion, students have the opportunity to earn up to nine National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certifications in machining and programming, endorsing students with industry-recognized credentials.

Thanks to a generous $400,000 grant from America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), Polk State currently utilizes cutting-edge machines, including two new 5-axis mills to give students experience with the latest multi-axis manufacturing technology.

Gibbons also highlighted the program’s deep industry ties, including Polk State’s partnership with NASA HUNCH, which provides students with the opportunity to build parts that go to space.

An affordable path to a high-wage career

One of the most compelling aspects of the CNC Program is its accessibility.

“If you come to this program, you will leave here with very little – if any – college debt,” Gibbons explained, “and you will go out into a career that can pay you $100,000 in five years if you are sufficiently driven and skilled.”

Through Polk State’s partnerships, rising high school seniors can take part in week-long summer boot-camp.

Scholarship funding is available for students thanks to The Metallica All Within My Hands Foundation, the Gene Haas Foundation and The Composite Institute (IACMI) and the Florida Job Growth grant.

Students also benefit from access to transportation, with a Citrus Connection bus stop right in front of the Advanced Technology Center. Students ride with Citrus Connection for free with their Polk State IDs.

Proven outcomes

Quality is built into the program. Polk State’s CNC Production Specialist recently earned NIMS Level 1 accreditation, validating that the training meets rigorous national standards.

Enrollment in the CNC Program has grown 46% as of August 2024 and recent data shows that approximately 90% of CNC Program completers achieve employment in the field.

Regional industry demand is strong. Polk State recently received a $2.8 million Florida Job Growth Grant, part of which is dedicated to expanding CNC capacity and meeting local manufacturing workforce needs.

Enroll now

Polk State College is enrolling for upcoming CNC cohorts. The next class will start on January 7, 2025. Interested students should contact trainingsolutions@polk.edu or 863.669.2326.