Pearl River Community College will begin offering its Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology program at the Forrest County Center in August.
The program prepares students to enter into advanced manufacturing careers as machine operators, machinists and CNC programmers.
“This program was previously offered in Poplarville (PRCC’s main campus),” said Dr. James Collum, Career Education department chairman at the Forrest County Center. “We hope that, (with) moving the program closer to the (Forrest County) industrial park and aligning the curriculum with the needs of local manufacturers, we will be able to help local employers connect with skilled workers.”
Since manufacturing makes up a significant portion of the Hattiesburg economy, Collum believes this precision program will benefit local industry.
“PRCC has tried to focus on bringing programs to the Forrest County Center that provide the training identified by these local industries,” Collum said. “We believe we can provide a skilled workforce for our local industries that offer good jobs with excellent pay for our students.”
According to Collum, wages average $21 an hour and up to $45,000 a year. The instructor is Robby Shaw.
The class will offer will offer 30-hour, 45-hour and 60-hour options.
“In 2017, we designed our industrial electronics program with help from our local manufacturing partners to train students to work as industrial maintenance technicians, electro-mechanical technicians, and automation and control specialists,” Collum said. “Now with the Precision Manufacturing and Machining program in Hattiesburg, we will be working with the same industrial partners to ensure that we are matching our equipment, curriculum and national certifications with their needs. We also hope to build the same internship partnerships into the precision manufacturing program that has made our industrial program successful.”
Dr. Jana Causey, vice president for the Forrest County Center, also feels the precision program will be a plus for students looking for a manufacturing career.
“We are excited to offer the Precision Manufacturing and Machining program,” Causey said. “Our industry partners have indicated a great need for this skill set.”
Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology is a program of study designed to lead to a career certificate, technical certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree.
For more information on the program, call 601-554-5539.
