NIC helps machinists build careers

Look around – almost everything you see has one thing in common: a machinist helped make it. From your phone, to your car, to the spare change in your pocket, there’s a machinist behind nearly every item you interact with daily. Machining is part of every industry, and the Machining and CNC Technology program at North Idaho College can jump-start a career in this field.

Program instructor Kurt Kimberling has 30 years of industry experience. He’s also an NIC alumni, a graduate of the machining program, as is the other instructor, Joe Okon.

“I’m teaching what I would love to do as a hobby. It doesn’t get better,” Kimberling said.

Kimberling teaches basic to advanced machining concepts, such as precision measuring, operating a milling machine, and operating computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Upon completing the program, students will be qualified for entry-level machinist positions. Because machining is one of the biggest parts of manufacturing, there’s a wide variety of jobs for machinists.

The Machining and CNC Program is one of several NIC programs that will soon have a new home in the Career and Technical Education Facility in Rathdrum for the fall semester in 2016.

Currently, the machining program has a full roster of 36 students – 18 in the freshman class and 18 in the sophomore class. But the program is limited by space. The new facility will be able to accommodate as many as 28 students per class for a total 56 students per year.

“I see it as an improvement,” Kimberling said. “We’ll have more room. I’m hoping to greatly expand the program.”

Max Clemons learned welding in the military. When he came to NIC, he first enrolled in the welding program then switched to the machining program.

“I could weld anything, but I had limited on-the-job training,” Clemons said. In the machining program, though, he received comprehensive training. “Now I can do anything, from top to bottom.”

At NIC, Clemons said, the instructors teach the fundamental skills, and from there, students can explore what fields interest them and how they can use machining to pursue those interests. Because machining technology is used in so many industries, the applications are virtually endless.

“They give you an opportunity to see what interests you,” Clemons said, “and then they challenge you to think outside the box.”

There’s a high demand for machinists, Kimberling said. In fact, jobs for machinists will increase by 6 percent between now and 2024.

“It’s a great job to be in,” Kimberling said. “It’s a job that has supported me and my family for 30-some years. I’m passionate about it. I enjoy giving other people the opportunity.”

Machinist

At NIC: Intermediate or Advanced Technical Certificate, two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree.

In-Demand: 6 percent growth in job demand between now and 2024.

How much will I earn? Median pay $41,510 per year.

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