Athens Technical College, GA, Machine Tool Technology instructors with Vincennes University's, (Vincennes, IN) Doug Bowman (back left). Georgia instructors from the left Randall Emert, Benjamin Whitener, Edward Kiszka, Phillip Shirley (back right), Stuart Rolf, Jeffrey Friend and Christopher Gibbs
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded an Advanced Technical Education (ATE) grant to the Machine Tool Technology instructors at Athens Technical College, GA, which is now the only two-year college in Georgia holding an active ATE grant from the NSF.
Grant funding was awarded to the Machine Tool Technology program to help increase training opportunities in multi-axis computer numerical control (CNC) programming and machining in the state and make it possible for Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) instructors to develop a 21st century advanced certificate in multi-axis machining and programming.
"The grant proposal was designed to address the lack of advanced CNC training available throughout the United States-specifically here in Georgia," said Stuart Rolf, Athens Technical College Machine Tool Technology Program Chair. "The demand is so great for well-trained precision machinists in our area and throughout the state that we see plenty of career opportunities for our students for at least the next ten years."
With this new award, Athens Technical College, as the lead institution, in conjunction with Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering & Engineering Technology at Kennesaw State University (KSU), will continue working to:
- Sponsor professional development opportunities for all TCSG Machine Tool Technology instructors. To date, more than half of the state's instructors have taken advantage of the opportunity by receiving cutting-edge multi-axis CNC training and certificates from Vincennes University in Indiana.
- Collaborate on an Advanced Multi-Axis CNC Programming Certificate which can be standardized and adopted by machine tool programs statewide. Full implementation will allow Georgia to become one of the first states to offer Advanced Multi-Axis CNC training on a state-wide basis.
- Promote an articulation pathway which allows students who obtain an associate degree in Machine Tool Technology to continue their education at KSU and obtain a Bachelor of Applied Science in Manufacturing Operations which opens the possibility of pursuing graduate studies.
Many employers who need trained machinists already have a hard time finding them and it is expected to become even more difficult. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this area is projected to increase by nine percent through 2022.
"With over seven billion dollars of aerospace parts being exported from Georgia every year, it has become imperative to offer the advanced technical training now required for workers to operate on the cutting edge of multi-axis CNC manufacturing," said Edward Kiszka, Athens Technical College Machine Tool Technology Instructor.
Mentor-Connect, a leadership development and outreach initiative for the NSF Advanced Technological Education program, assisted Athens Technical College faculty in preparing the grant proposal.
Since 1958, Athens Technical College has served citizens by providing educational programs in a 10-county service area. It offers over 150 program specializations in business, health, technical and manufacturing-related areas. Students attend Athens Technical College on four campuses (Athens-Clarke, Elbert, Greene and Walton Counties), Athens Community Career Academy, Adult Learning Centers and through continuing education opportunities.
Machine Tool Technology courses are currently offered on the Walton County Campus of Athens Technical College.
For more information contact:
Stuart Rolf, Program Chair
Machine Tool Technology
Athens Technical College
770-207-4139
srolf@athenstech.edu
www.AthensTech.edu.