June 11-- Beginning Fall semester, James Earl Yearty will lead Southeastern Technical College’s (STC) new Computer Numeric Control (CNC) program.
With more than 30 years in the industry, Yearty comes to STC from Husqvarna. “After this long in the industry, I felt ready to help new incoming CNC machinist into the trade,” said Yearty.
STC President Larry Calhoun, said “We are seeing a significant increase in the need for employees with advanced manufacturing skills in our area, as well as state and nationwide. Due primarily to the retirement of ‘baby boomers’, the return of manufacturing operations to the U.S., and the increased complexity and computerization of equipment, current and future prospects for well-paying careers in these occupations are bright. STC’s new Computer Numeric Control program is specifically designed to prepare individuals for careers in high-tech manufacturing. We are especially grateful to our area industry partners for their ongoing support of STC as we work together to bring this program to its full potential.”
Yearty has already been meeting with industries in our communities.
“As industry has changed in the last 20 plus years, there has also been a giant leap in technology and how products are produced globally, and with manufacturing being brought back into the United States at a high rate, there is a need to train a new workforce in the CNC industry to keep up with the growing demand of workers needed to fill open positions,” said Yearty. “With over 20+ local openings for CNC operators in our service area, Southeastern Tech plans to fulfill the need of a skilled and trained workforce to help with the growing need of job openings.”
A technical certificate of credit (TCC) in Basic CNC Technician allows graduates the ability to gain employment as entry level CNC Machine Tool Technicians. Machinists set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. This TCC also provides hands on training for similar occupations in this field.
Applicants to the CNC program must be at least 16 years of age and earn a minimum of 24 credit hours in the program. Dual Enrollment high school students who meet the age requirement are eligible for this program of study. The curriculum outline is six classes, made up of: Blueprint for Machine Tool, MachineTool Math, CNC Fundamentals, CNC Mill Manual Programming, CNC Lathe Manual Programming, and CNC Practical Applications.
Students will train on HAAS vertical machinery and a CNC lathe. STC has plans of adding additional state-of-the-art equipment in the near future.
When Yearty originally enrolled in college, electronics was his plan, but those classes were full. The dean proposed that he take a class in the machine shop, something he knew nothing about, until a seat became available in electronics. A few weeks passed and Yearty never looked back. By that time, he had become interested in machining and continued on to complete the program.
Upon graduation, Yearty went to work for Wade & Son’s Machinists & Welders in Macon, Ga, then into tool & die with Lithonia Lighting as a machinist and toolmaker, and later into a CNC machinist. After 27 years, Yearty employed with Husqvarna until that plant closed. He and his wife Sherry have three children and two grandchildren.
Anyone interested in the CNC program is welcome to visit one of our career counselors or call 478-289-2200 or 912-538-3100 for more information to get started on a new career in CNC today!
Article courtesy of Vidalia Communications Corp.
