ACC CNC Program Open for Applicants
As local industry strives to attain talented workers, the Alvin Community College CNC program seeks to fill the demand from employers.
Tech CNC owner Manny Pasillas serves on an ACC advisory board for industrial programs and said employers are in need of qualified workers.
鈥淲e have to prepare people,鈥 Pasillas said. 鈥淲e can bring every single job back. But if we there鈥檚 no one to fill it, if there鈥檚 no body to run the machine or fix the machine, we鈥檒l be dead in the water.鈥
Students can now register to become certified in CNC technology through a six-month certification program.
CNC, or computer numerical control, machinists operate mills and lathes, which are used in industrial construction projects. Having skills with both types of equipment makes a potential employee more attractive on the job market.
鈥淩ight now there is a lack of machinists,鈥 in the industry, Pasillas said. 鈥淭he manufacturing industry is what we measure our economy with. It is the backbone of the American economy.鈥
The CNC curriculum at ACC is tailored to ensure that workers are trained in the methods and technology that they will experience in the workforce.
鈥淲e have industry verify the curriculum,鈥 said Sarah Currie, ACC director of Business and Technical programs. 鈥淲e need something that is substantial to meet the needs of these industries. We want to get them trained and in the field.鈥
When Pasillas first started college he pursued an education and career in mechanical engineering. But when he discovered CNC technology and its importance in the manufacturing process, he decided to join the field and eventually started his own business with his wife.
鈥 You鈥檙e producing something like art and it鈥檚 very precise,鈥 Pasillas said. 鈥淭his is a career that can be lucrative and can be satisfying.鈥
Courses for the CNC program will start at the end of August. Registration for the Fall is now open. For more information about CNC call 281-756-3787 or email cewd@alvincollege.edu.
To hear more about Pasillas and his journey to change his career into CNC, check out the ACC Podcast which is available wherever you get podcasts.