Akron Life August 2023

EDUCATION

Akron CNC Training Center photos by Maggie Harris

At the CNC center, students take classes to learn blueprint reading, shop math, CNC computer programming, CAD, inspection and more. They utilize these skills during labs that use the school’s CNC mills and lathes in the OGS plant, where they learn how to operate and set up the machines. Tests include making metal projects. “We don’t do term papers, book reports, library projects,” says Norval. “Everything that we teach is trade knowledge.” LASTING WORK In today’s uncertain economy, many technical jobs offer a rarity: job security. Norval says that’s reason enough for locals to look into switching to CNC machining, which several have done after being laid off. Once a CNC machinist, they can advance to positions like CNC programmer, inspector or business owner. “[They should consider] the high demand and long-term prospects for employment till they retire,” she says. “You could start at 30 and work for 35 years. It’s very secure.” Not even three weeks after graduating from the career center, Sanderson got a job as a welder for Eleet Cryogenics in

Bolivar, which provides new and used cryogenic bulk tanks and assemblies. He cuts old pipes and brackets off used tanks and welds on new brackets and caps before they’re re-piped. Sanderson is happy he found a job that engages him. “For years, it’s been, You go to college and make a good life for yourself ,” he says. “Blue collar, manual labor jobs, it’s a little more fulfilling to work a career like this because you’re doing something with your hands.” Tripney says a career center can provide a fresh start as it did for an evening nail technician student and single mom who had to navigate life after a divorce. She completed the program and got employed doing what she wants with a schedule that works for her new life. “Within a year, we have the opportunity to totally transform someone’s life,” Tripney says. “They are successful, are happy doing what they want to do, are going to a job that feels right for them.” Akron CNC Training Center, 1169 Brittain Road, Akron, akroncnc.com; Portage Lakes Career Center, 4401 Shriver Road, Uniontown, plcc.edu

MAPLEWOOD CAREER CENTER: Adults who need a high school diploma can earn one in months through its free adult diploma program in which they can also learn a new skill includ ing medical coding and billing, module welding or precision machining. Other adult programs include electrical systems and dental assisting. 7075 state Route 88, Ravenna, mwood.cc MEDINA COUNTY CAREER CENTER: Qualified Medina County graduates 18 to 24 years old can enroll tuition-free in adult educa tion programs including EMT, law enforcement, state tested nursing aide, HVAC and more options that can be completed in months. 1101 W. Liberty St., Medina, mcjvs.edu STARK STATE COLLEGE: Choose from over 200 associate degrees and certificates, with a wide range of programs including bookkeeping, legal assisting, computer programming, surgical assisting and construction technician. Programs can be online or in-person, and most go one year but can be applied toward an associate degree or beyond. Akron, Canton and North Canton, starkstate.edu +3 MORE CAREER TECHNICAL SCHOOLS

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AUGUST 2023 | akronlife.com