Lloyd Arnold, an instructor at the the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) is hoping to have 12 students — the highest amount of students thus far for the Machinist Technology Program (MTP) — starting in August 2008. At present, Arnold has five students in his class, the largest class so far.
Arnold attributes the rise in students to publicity and the fact that the program offers a competitive edge.
“We're becoming a little more visible now, thanks to newspaper articles, public radio announcements, and word of mouth,” said Arnold. “I also contribute the rise in students to the fact that the MTP offers a fast track to a two-year degree — it shaves a year off. People also don't realize that if they don't have a skill or trade or even a degree they will have a hard time competing in the work force.”
RCBI held their annual open house on Tuesday for potential students to learn about the benefits of MTP from graduates and prospective employees.
The MTP gives students hands-on training to prepare them for the rigorous demands of manufacturing.
Through this program, students are able to earn an associates degree — or even a bachelors degree should they decide to continue.
For an associates degree, students must complete 11 months of training, along with three hours of electives and most earn three credentials out of the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NMIS) standard categories.
The categories are: measurement materials and safety skills, job planning, benchwork and layout skills, milling skills, drilling press skills, surface grinding skills, turning between center skills, and turning/chucking skills. Students also have the chance to earn an additional four NIMS credentials, and therefor will receive a special certificate of recognition. In order to qualify for the Machinist Technology Program, potential students must pass a math test; if the student does not pass the test, they must retake it within four months.
Colleges like Potomac State College in Keyser and Marshall University in Huntington will offer financial aid for students interested in this program.
According to a recent press release, RCBI boasts a 90 percent industry placement rate, with its graduates entering the work force earning wages from $10 to $16 an hour with benefits, including retirement, stock options, health insurance and paid vacation.
“The MTP is a good two-year program and it provides you with good skills for the work force — even if you don't decide to become a machinist, you can still use the skills you've learned to to springboard you into another career,” said Lynne Harris, a local resident and current student in the MTP. “These classes are very interesting and I have enjoyed it immensely. The only downfall is they need to work on their job placement.”
Harris, who used to be a Silver Smith in Oklahoma, said, “I took this class because I enjoy learning about how things are made and how they work.”
Once Harris graduates from the MTP at RCBI, she plans to search for a six-month internship and then go on to earn her associates degree by taking a one-credit class at Potomac State College.
To learn more about the MTP at RCBI view the website at www. rcbi.org.
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Lloyd Arnold, an instructor at the the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) is hoping to have 12 students — the highest amount of students thus far for the Machinist Technology Program (MTP) — starting in August 2008. At present, Arnold has five students in his class, the largest class so far.
Arnold attributes the rise in students to publicity and the fact that the program offers a competitive edge.
“We're becoming a little more visible now, thanks to newspaper articles, public radio announcements, and word of mouth,” said Arnold. “I also contribute the rise in students to the fact that the MTP offers a fast track to a two-year degree — it shaves a year off. People also don't realize that if they don't have a skill or trade or even a degree they will have a hard time competing in the work force.”
RCBI held their annual open house on Tuesday for potential students to learn about the benefits of MTP from graduates and prospective employees.
The MTP gives students hands-on training to prepare them for the rigorous demands of manufacturing.
Through this program, students are able to earn an associates degree — or even a bachelors degree should they decide to continue.
For an associates degree, students must complete 11 months of training, along with three hours of electives and most earn three credentials out of the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NMIS) standard categories.
The categories are: measurement materials and safety skills, job planning, benchwork and layout skills, milling skills, drilling press skills, surface grinding skills, turning between center skills, and turning/chucking skills. Students also have the chance to earn an additional four NIMS credentials, and therefor will receive a special certificate of recognition. In order to qualify for the Machinist Technology Program, potential students must pass a math test; if the student does not pass the test, they must retake it within four months.
Colleges like Potomac State College in Keyser and Marshall University in Huntington will offer financial aid for students interested in this program.
According to a recent press release, RCBI boasts a 90 percent industry placement rate, with its graduates entering the work force earning wages from $10 to $16 an hour with benefits, including retirement, stock options, health insurance and paid vacation.
“The MTP is a good two-year program and it provides you with good skills for the work force — even if you don't decide to become a machinist, you can still use the skills you've learned to to springboard you into another career,” said Lynne Harris, a local resident and current student in the MTP. “These classes are very interesting and I have enjoyed it immensely. The only downfall is they need to work on their job placement.”
Harris, who used to be a Silver Smith in Oklahoma, said, “I took this class because I enjoy learning about how things are made and how they work.”
Once Harris graduates from the MTP at RCBI, she plans to search for a six-month internship and then go on to earn her associates degree by taking a one-credit class at Potomac State College.
To learn more about the MTP at RCBI view the website at www. rcbi.org.
