TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
P R E C I S I O N M E TA LWO R K I N G T E C H N O L O G Y
Tooling up to retool
WILSON MOFFITT OF WAYNESBORO IS ONE OF FOUR TYCO ELECTRONICS APPRENTICES WHO ATTENDED
CLASSES IN PRECISION METALWORKING TWICE A WEEK AT HACC’S MIDTOWN LOCATION.
His previous job as a wire-cut machine operator had been phased out when Moffitt saw
a newspaper advertisement announcing the Tyco apprenticeships.
“Competition was stiff,” said Leroy Killian of Middletown, a HACC adjunct instructor of metalworking.
It was quite a coup to be chosen, said Moffitt, adding, “Four candidates
were selected out of more than 200 applicants.”
Tyco is affiliated with HACC in operating the program that requires
on-the-job training and classes for four years in order to qualify to
take National Institute of Metalworking Skills certifying tests.
Tyco pays for the HACC courses and the salaries of these workers
during their training to become journeymen.
Déjà vu FOR INSTRUCTION
PRECISION
METALWORKING
TECHNOLOGY
Tooling up to retool
Killian recalls he started in a four-year tool and die apprentice program
sponsored by the state and AMP, which is now Tyco, in the late 1950s.
He rose to become as quality control engineer at AMP and retired in 1991.
He then worked for five years as a machine shop tool and die maker instructor
for AMP/ Tyco at several company locations. He came to HACC when Tyco
formed a joint venture with the community college.
During his long career, Killian saw the tool and die trade lose momentum
as industry outsourced manufacturing work to other countries for
economic reasons.
However, as more and more skilled workers reach retirement age, the trade
is in a renewed phase. There also is a real need for skilled machinists who
know the machines and how to make precise parts for them.
HACC students receive more than
$120 million in financial aid annually.
Fill out and file a federal student aid
application at www.fafsa.gov. To
determine eligibility, contact Financial
Aid Services at (717) 780-2330.
Although John Horst of Newville wasn’t looking at precision metalworking as
an occupation, the HVAC major chose a course in metalworking as an elective
just for fun and for the challenge. The course sharpened his dexterity and
heightened his skill level.
As for HACC, he said, everyone “has bent over backwards to be a help.”
THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
HACC requires 36 credit hours for precision metalworking certification,
including:
For more information about the
associate degree program, call Michael
Salisbury, Chair, Industrial
Technology, at (717) 780-2446
or e-mail mssalisb@hacc.edu.
n 32 credit hours of engineering materials and processes; general technology
orientation, introduction to metal working statistical quality control;
numerical control, geometric tolerancing, blueprint reading, power tool
use, turning and milling technologies, metrology, grinding technology,
specialized industrial processes, advanced CNC programming, a
manufacturing seminar, and
For more information about precision
metalworking, contact Leroy Killian
at (717) 944-2148.
GETTING A JUMP START ON COLLEGE
www.hacc.edu
n 4 hours of basic communication skills and applied math for machinists.
Those who want a head start in pursuing this program and ultimately an
associate’s degree while still in high school can look into HACC’s College
in the High School program. “Students can earn up to 12 college credits for
only $30 per credit at many high schools and vocational-technical schools
in HACC’s service area,” said Ross Berger, director of Tech Prep and
Secondary Articulation. Check with local secondary and tech centers for
a list of available courses.
HIGHER PAY CAN BE ANTICIPATED
Median pay for a skilled precision metalworking technician is $37,280 a year,
according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Certification in this trade is important. “Employers want a lot more book
knowledge and employees need to become adept at hand-tooling,” Killian
stressed.
PLUSES OF ATTENDING HACC
HACC does not discriminate in admission
or employment on the basis of race, color,
religion, political affiliation or believe, age,
sex, national origin, ancestry, non-job related
disability, place of birth, General Education
Development Certificate (GED), marital
status, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
HACC offers students:
n flexibility to study part- or full-time while meeting obligations
in the workplace;
n individual attention and remedial work to fulfill admission
requirements, and
n credits are transferable for students seeking bachelor degrees.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT
HACC provides high-quality education at the lowest cost in the area. Find
admissions information, tuition and a list of the 22 south-central Pennsylvania
school sponsoring districts that pick up part of the tuition cost for residents at
www.hacc.edu.
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