EUGENE, Ore. — The Lane Community College Board of Education approved the introduction of a new Associate of Applied Science degree program in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining and Inspection at its January 4th meeting. The program, set to begin in the 2023-2024 academic year, focuses on the manufacturing processes involving programming software to control complex machinery such as grinders, lathes, and milling machines.
“The program answers the needs of local and national industries to fill the skills gap that currently exists,” explained LCC Associate Vice President for Career Technical Education and Workforce Development Grant Matthews. “Manufacturing relies on innovation to ensure higher levels of productivity, efficiency and progress. Without skilled professionals with both the knowledge and hands-on experience, industries suffer with potentially negative impacts on the economy. The overall program is broader based and teaches students how to work with such technology across the board rather than very specific pieces of equipment.”
Focusing on workforce development and innovative programs is not new for Lane Community College. The new CNC Machining and Inspection program will offer the associate of applied science degree, as well as multiple Career Pathway Certificates, experience with CNC machine set up and operation, hands on work with production work of varying sizes, extensive CAD/CAM training and work, basic to cutting edge inspection training, reverse engineering training and practical application. It replaces the Advanced Manufacturing AAS curriculum by modernizing the program and adding new industry applicable courses.
Students will take lecture classes along with hands-on practical application labs, ensuring critical skills and learning are assessed and trained to industry standards. When enrolled full time, a student can earn a degree in two years. A certificate can be earned in one year to be ready for immediate employment. In addition to existing technology, classroom, and shop space, a state-of-the-art laboratory is planned in the new Industry and Trades Education Center, scheduled for construction in Spring 2023.
“This new program reflects the changes in the industry and puts our students on a track to gain essential skills in a high-demand field,” LCC President Dr. Stephanie Bulger said. “We have worked with potential employers and partners to make sure this program is not just a fit but the right fit for employers.”
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $850 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 13,000 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.