Hi all,
I'll be starting a 9 month machining program at the end of August. The course is taught by a friend and has a significant emphasis on CNC programming. We also get NIMS certified to graduate.
I'm wondering what you folks think of this and what advice you would give. What certifications or training should I pursue after graduation?
I'm a young (mid-twenties), fairly capable guy, with a varied work history - everything from laying carpet, to backpack guiding, to finance (my current occupation).
Perhaps it's the nerves of making a big life change. I'm concerned about finding a job here in South Dakota where me and the lady can support a family.
TITANS of CNC: Academy | BUILDING BLOCKS AEROSPACE
Titans of CNC building blocks for Aerospace.
^^^ Not to open too much of a can of worms, but to make an omelet … (some eggs will be violated.).
I'm originally from the U.K. so my grasp of US based geography is still limited. But reading this thread and your comments (@Rudy_33) seems there are some opportunities in Aerospace in North Dakota (like Fargo) and elsewhere / "East River" near your family (requirement) and "More flexibility " after your wife graduates from Sioux falls etc. 100 mile radius of North Dakota , South Dakota and Minnesota.
"Peeps" here on PM forum are probabaly more familiar with some of the bigger shops in your area (200 mile radius of where you need to be).
Also coming from the U.K. I'm not that familiar with the NIMS certificate , I get the "Vibe" that it's a bit theoretical vs. making a ton of relevant contemporary parts using vaguely contemporary manufacturing techniques ?
As an employer generally I look for what someone can actually do and what potential they have (rather than a more theoretical certificate perhaps)... Is this someone that IS worth investing in with proven talent for the job or particular role within a company .
With the Titans of CNC building blocks at least (theoretically) I can see whether someone has an aptitude for the type of work required. We don't build airframes or propulsion systems but over the years / decades I have pinched many many techniques and design approaches from aerospace. So the "Aerospace" referenced precision surfaces in complex geometries IS relevant to a lot of modern work. Tool and Die being a separate discipline but ALSO relevant.
HOWEVER ~ Just to put the cat amongst the pigeons I am a little Leary of folks that are "Spoon fed" "Answers" in whatever form; so just because someone was able to crank out the BB-Aerospace sample parts would be GOOD to demonstrate that the candidate "Gets it" by devising alternate or similar or more challenging parts "Off course" to demonstrate that they were able to challenge themselves with a test part(s) that solved a particular challenge. That might make for a better 'Portfolio" perhaps.
It's more about aptitudes and what employers want to invest in as you say @Rudy_33 a lot of folks will be retiring from this industry and AEROSPACE will be a three trillion dollar industry (at least according to Titan, seems accurate) and best not to let that opportunity slip through our hands (collectively within the USA.).
The academy's goal is to provide
some kind of online certification for completing certain course components like the BB aerospace but provide some sort of
recognized "Certificate" / recognized standard. [That's what they are pushing and in partnership with big aerospace companies .]. (No doubt rocks will be thrown at that, but I say , bring it on … See what happens/ stress test the concept.).
@Rudy_33 what would your friend that teaches the course what would he or she make of Academy aerospace and other components ?
Is that something that should be encouraged / incorporated or just kind of ignored ? (Just curious on your take / view point, not that you could vouch for your friend's view point per se ?).
Obligatory ^^^^ youtube video Titan talking about certifications + aerospace companies .
They are also rolling out a newer fixturing course that (personally) I think is equally valuable if not more (but given the hierarchical nature of larger shop floors I'm sure 'peeps" will throw rocks at that too.).
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I'd be interested in how much your wife's degree is costing (student loans) versus Titan's concept of not going to college and instead buying a machine(s) that you can put in your garage … (Kind of thing) or get a shop involved with the Academy so you can get experience making your parts (another Titans* concept).
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* No affiliation, but always concerned about the future of manufacturing (especially with what the USA can be best at and not hemorrhage such opportunities overseas .).
