Polk State College Machining Programs Receive NIMS Accreditation

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

Polk State College’s Computer Numeric Control (CNC) and Manual Machining programs will be recognized for their quality and ability to successfully train members of the local workforce on Wednesday, December 6, with accreditation by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc. (NIMS) for Machining Level 1 credentials.

Polk State has met rigorous national industry standards to earn this prestigious accreditation, which will be presented by NIMS Executive Director Montez L. King, a member of the U.S. Department of Labor Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion.

Polk State’s CNC and Manual Machining programs recognize the need of Central Florida’s mining, chemical, power, and general manufacturing industries for highly trained employees. The College offers courses of study designed to jumpstart careers and secure employment in local machinist jobs with salaries ranging from $14 to $30+ an hour depending on levels of training and certifications.

Graduates from Polk State’s programs are able to develop programs that control the machining or processing of metal or plastic with automated machine tools, equipment, or systems. Machinists create a variety of products using this technology: motorcycle and automobile parts/ accessories, airplane apparatuses, NASA shuttle components, and much more. Local employers include companies such as JCMI, JBT Food Tech, Key Safety Systems, Mid-State Machining and Fabrication, and many others.

Polk State’s CNC and Manual Machining programs began in 2015 and boast a job placement rate greater than 90 percent.

King and Polk State College President Angela Garcia Falconetti will participate in a brief program on Wednesday at the Polk State Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center at 310 Technology Drive in Bartow beginning at 8 a.m. Tours of the Polk State facility will be offered until 10 a.m.