Precision manufacturing and machining technology courses designed to train future workers with coveted skills in tool and die and machinery manufacturing, are now available in Philadelphia, thanks to a partnership between the Neshoba County Schools and East Central Community College.

Precision manufacturing and machining technology prepares students to manufacture precision parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) equipment, according to information provided by ECCC. Included is instruction in making computations related to work dimensions, testing, feeds, and speeds of machines; using precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gauges; machining and heat-treating of various metals; laying out machine parts; and operation and maintenance of computer equipment.

Upon graduation, students will be immediately be qualified for top-paying jobs in industry, some starting at $60,000 per year, officials say.

Students in the program can complete either the 30-hour option or the 45-hour option and receive a certificate that allows them to go straight into the workforce. 

Students also have the option to earn an associate of applied science degree from ECCC by completing the 45-hour option plus an additional 15 semester hours of general education core curriculum courses.

These courses will be taught at the new Manufacturing and Innovation Center at Neshoba Central High School. 

The initiative was announced last Thursday during a ribbon-cutting and open house. ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory and Neshoba County School District Superintendent Dr. Lundy Brantley participated in a partnership agreement signing and the ribbon cutting. This was followed by tours of the classroom and shop and demonstrations of the equipment.

“It’s a partnership where everybody wins,” Dr. Brantley said. “The way it works, we provided equipment and space. East Central provided the instructor and materials. They deal with student issues, applications and anything that deals with instruction.”

The Neshoba County School District invested roughly $400,000 in the remodeling for the center and an additional $218,000 for equipment, Brantley said.

“Dr. Brantley was able to find some funds that were not available on the community college level,” Dr. Gregory said. “This was a unique siltation but we have to work together to find the money and find the resources for our institutions.

“What we are doing is moving East Central Community College out to our students,” Dr. Gregory said. “We are bringing East Central from all over the district, to this site to learn skills where they can get jobs in this area. East Central Community College’s mission is centered around serving our five-county district of Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Scott, and Winston counties, and we are excited to continue to fulfill that mission by partnering with the Neshoba County School District on this program.”

The training is open to Neshoba Central seniors through the dual credit courses at East Central. Two Neshoba Central students are currently enrolled in the ECCC program. At the same time, they are working to complete their high school academic requirements online so they can graduate from high school on time.

“It is beneficial to seniors who only have a few credits to earn,” said Dana McLain, workforce development coordinator for Neshoba Central. “They take the East Central courses Monday through Thursday. East Central doesn’t have classes on Friday, so our students can work on their high school course credits online Thursday afternoon and Fridays. It won’t be so overwhelming to them.”

Currently, there are also five ECCC students taking the courses on the Neshoba Central campus.  The courses can be available to other high school seniors in the East Central district, who can apply through ECCC Career & Technical Education programs.

The instructor for the program will be Donald “Mutt” Hardin, a Neshoba Central graduate who has more than 28 years of experience working in industry.

“I took this same course at East Central in 1992-1993,” Hardin said. “I went into the workforce in December 1994. From then until this past August, I have been in industry, which is 28 and a half years. I started out with a company called TurnTeck. Taylor Machines bought TurnTeck in 1998 and I finished with them. Until now, I really have had one job my entire life.”

This announcement is welcomed news for local companies.

“This is really a great deal,” said David Vowell, president of the Community Development Partnership. “We have several of our local companies and they are thanking Dr. Gregory and Dr. Brantley for making this happen. They need employees with these skills in their plants.”

For more information on East Central Community College’s Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology program, contact Cody Spence, ECCC’s director of Career & Technical Education, at dcspence@eccc.edu or 601-635-6211.

Other items that may interest you

All three suspects in connection with a mid-August drug bust that netted roughly 7 kilos of marijuana have been arrested after the final two suspects turned themselves in Friday afternoon, the …

439 E Beacon Street Philadelphia, MS 39350 1-601-656-4000

Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions