Community colleges help Illinois to first in nation for Certified Machinists

INA, Ill. (Feb. 24, 2015) - Illinois’ manufacturing industry is growing stronger by the year, as evident by the number of residents becoming certified machinists - a number that continues to grow annually. In 2014, Illinois led the nation for the first time in number of certified machinists at 2,285.

The Illinois Manufacturing Association (IMA) announced last month that a total of 18,947 certificates were awarded in 2014 by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) across the nation. Illinois certificates grew by 36 percent over 2013, where the state was listed in second nationally. Many of these certificates came from 28 community colleges - including Rend Lake College - that partner with the IMA to offer a number of manufacturing programs.

“Rend Lake College is proud to be a part of this growing industry by offering machining programs and classes to our students,” said Chris Nielsen, RLC Dean of Applied Science and Technology. “It’s good to know that what we’re teaching is vital to the growth in our area and across the state.”

Jarron Bennett of Benton works a lathe machine in the Vocational Building during his MACH 1201 class Tuesday afternoon. In this class, Bennett and his classmates learn how to safely use the machine, which rotates the project - in this case the head of a hammer - on an axis to help cut, grind, drill, and more. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Students at RLC can take part in the Basic Machining Certification or the Advanced Metalworking Certificate programs to learn the fundamentals of machining and metalworking. The Basic Machining certificate requires 18 credit hours, or two semesters, of work. Students learn the essentials of machining using lathes and milling machines. Similarly, the Advanced Metalworking certificate is two semesters of 19 credit hours and focuses on improving skills in welding, machining, and layout processes used in a number of industries.

Several Machine Technology courses are also required by other programs and certificates. The two biggest ones are the Welding and Industrial Electronics and Maintenance Technician associate in applied science degrees.

“The bulk of our Industrial Electronics and Maintenance Technician graduates go to Continental Tire the Americas or other manufacturing facilities, such as Walgreens or into the coal mines,” said Nielsen. “Our welders go into work in a number of different industries.”

Benton High School student Tyson Kinkade grinds the edges of his hammer project Tuesday afternoon in the Vocational Building on the Ina campus. The Machining Technology class is designed to introduce students to the basic skills in operating lathes like the one above, in addition to mills and drill presses. Students also learn about safe work habits. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois was ranked fifth in the highest employment level for machinists with approximately 27,400 jobs statewide in 2013. Across the nation, there are about 391,130 jobs in the machining industry, including in motor vehicle and aerospace parts manufacturing, machine shops, metalworking machinery manufacturing, industrial machinery manufacturing, and many others.

Of the nearly 19,000 industry-recognized credentials issued by NIMS in 2014, approximately 12 percent of all certifications going to Illinois residents.

“Credentials indicate the individuals have the ‘mark of excellence’ that will make them highly sought‐after talent. We are very pleased with these results,” said Greg Baise, president and CEO of the IMA, in a news release. “These are great careers that have pathways to college degrees and represent the foundation of America’s middle class. We’re pleased our partnerships with more than two dozen Illinois community colleges, and even more high schools around the state have produced these results and we look for even greater performance in the years ahead.”

For more information about RLC’s machining certificates or courses, contact the Applied Science and Technology Department at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1261. To read more about Illinois ranking first in 2014 in the number of certified machinists, see the story on the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association website at www.ima-net.org.