Established in 1965, the Machine Tool Technology Program at Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) became nationally accredited recently. NIMS Accreditation is a benchmark for metalworking training programs in the United States as based on national, industry-written and industry-driven skills standards.
As a nationally accredited program, the college demonstrates its continued commitment to providing industry-level training within the state of Tennessee and for the greater U.S. manufacturing industry. In doing so the TCAT staff and faculty have met stringent quality requirements which included a program self-audit, the certifying of faculty and students with NIMS industry credentials, and an intensive two-day on-site evaluation at the college.
The on-site evaluation occurred in October 2015 and was conducted by NIMS Lead Evaluator Sam Hart who was assisted by Education Representative Mike Schoen of TCAT Murfreesboro and Industry Representative Todd Hayes of Phillips Corp/Jeffreys Division.
After a facility inspection, observation of student safety habits and a series of interviews with faculty, administrators and local employers, the team issued above-average ratings in the evaluation areas of:
- Purpose
- Facility
- Program Features
- Equipment, Tooling, & Measuring Devices
- Administration
- Faculty & Instructional Staff.
This accreditation is based on NIMS National Skill Standards for Machining Level I with a focus on the manual and computer numerical control (CNC) machining skills that are in high demand among industry employers.
"The NIMS accreditation is an honor and sets the skill level or standard very high. The accreditation also adds credibility to our training. The companies we work with have always desired these certifications," said Randy Ragland, TCAT Hartsville Instructor.
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
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Randy Ragland
615-374-2174
randy.ragland@tcathartsville.edu