Established in 1980, the Computer Integrated Machining Program at Haywood Community College (HCC) became nationally accredited recently. NIMS Accreditation is the highest benchmark for metalworking training programs in the United States as based on national, industry-driven and industry-written skills standards.
By becoming accredited, the staff and faculty at HCC have met NIMS quality requirements that included a self-evaluation, earning of NIMS national skills credentials by faculty and by students and an intensive two-day on-site evaluation at the college facility.
"This is something that the college and the community can be proud of. It strengthens our machining program and allows us to offer something that the other community colleges in our region do not have," said Doug Cabe, HCC Instructor.
The on-site evaluation occurred in September and was conducted by a NIMS Evaluation Team that included Certified Team Leader Mike Davis (NC), Education Representative Wayne Stines of McDowell Technical Community College (NC) and Industry Representative Mike Dunn of Siemens Energy, Inc. (NC).
The team conducted a comprehensive facility inspection, observation of students' safety habits and a series of in-depth interviews with faculty, administrators and local employers. Ultimately the team issued HCC's program above-average ratings in the evaluation areas of:
- Purpose
- Facility
- Program features
- Equipment, tooling and measuring devices
- Administration
- Faculty and instructional staff.
This accreditation is based on NIMS National Skill Standards for Machining Level I with a focus on four machining credentials, many of which HCC students have earned. Those skills credentials include:
- Drill Press I
- Job Planning, Benchwork & Layout
- Measurement, Materials & Safety
- Milling I.
Leading by example, Instructors Doug Cabe, Tim Clark and Craig Holloway have earned several credentials themselves.
For more information contact:
NIMS
10565 Fairfax Blvd., Suite 10
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-352-4971
support@nims-skills.org
www.nims-skills.org
www.nimsready.org
Haywood Community College
Doug Cabe
828-627-5117
dkcabe@haywood.edu