New College of Southern Idaho course will train high-tech machinists

At a time when high-tech manufacturing jobs are at a premium, a new technical training program by the College of Southern Idaho will put local machinists at an advantage when Hydro Fitting Manufacturing Corp. starts operations in July.

By Megan Hinds
Times-News writer

http://www.magicvalley.com/news/business/index.asp?StoryID=4185

CSI’s new Machining Technology program, designed to train potential employees for manufacturing industries that use "computer number calibration" machining processes, known as CNCs, starts Feb. 3 at the Twin Falls High School technical training center.

The program is composed of six five-week evening courses that will teach basic through advanced machining technology using CNC equipment provided in part by CSI’s industry partners, Seastrom Manufacturing and Hydro Fitting, said DeVere Burton, CSI dean of technical education.

"Our goal is to identify and train a pool of people with the interest and aptitude to learn the skills necessary for employment in high-tech manufacturing," Burton said.

Experienced machinists are also invited to sign up for training to upgrade their skills.

Developing the program was a crucial step in recruiting Hydro Fitting to relocate from Covina, Calif., to Twin Falls, Burton said. The company, which produces high-precision hydraulic valves and fittings for the aerospace industry and the U.S. military, will break ground for its Twin Falls facility Jan. 30.

Burton compared the machining program to the computer-technology program CSI created in 2001 to train potential employees for Dell Inc. While students who complete the course are not guaranteed jobs with Hydro Fitting, those who demonstrate the aptitude and develop skills required for jobs at the company could have an advantage over other applicants, Burton said. Hydro Fitting plans to hire about 37 new employees.

CSI will work in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Labor’s Job Service to place qualified machining technologists and experienced machinists with local companies.

Interest in the training program has been high, said Scott Scholes, CSI advising director. The course has room for 15 students, and 10 students have signed up since registration began last week. A second section will be formed if demand remains high, Scholes said.

Burton said the classes will be held at the Twin Falls High School technical training center due to a lack of room on the CSI campus for the large computerized lathes used for training. But the lack of space worked out as an advantage for both CSI and the Twin Falls School District, said Superintendent Wiley Dobbs.

He said the school district and CSI had been looking for a way to collaborate to expand the high school’s technical education curriculum, and the opportunity to hold college classes at the high school’s technical training center was a "perfect way to start."

The school district and CSI plan to develop a joint machining technology program for high school and college students, starting in the fall.

But registration is open now for the college’s own training program.

Course instructors Larry Wayment, owner of Wayment Manufacturing in Filer, and Ken Gould, plant manager for the Filer shop, were selected for their machining expertise and experience, Burton said.

Wayment Manufacturing, which produces high-tech machine tools and parts, will relocate to a larger location in Filer soon. Wayment is looking to hire three more employees, who could be drawn from machinists trained in the course.

Cost for the full six-credit training program is $495, but those looking to upgrade their skills may enroll in individual courses for $82.50 per credit. Need-based scholarships are available.

Times-News business writer Megan Hinds can be reached at 735-3238 or [email protected].

College of Southern Idaho’s new Machining Technology program

* What: Six five-week evening courses

* When: Feb. 3 through midsummer

* Where: Twin Falls High School technical training center

* Cost: $495 for full program or $82.50 per course

* For information and schedule: Call CSI Advising Director Scott Scholes at 732-6250.

* Course starting dates:

Basic Machining Technology I: Feb. 3

Basic Machining Technology II: March 9

Blueprint Reading: April 13

CNC Programming: May 18

Basic Machining Technology III: May 19

Advanced Machining Technology: June 22

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CSI offers job research workshop

TWIN FALLS — The Center for New Directions at the College of Southern Idaho is offering a free Occupational Research workshop.

http://www.magicvalley.com/news/business/index.asp?StoryID=4191

The workshop aims to help participants sort through their options for training and careers, and weigh the factors of expected pay and required investment in training.

"Many people have narrowed down their career choices, but just need more information to help them make an educated decision," organizers said in a statement. "Through resources such as Idaho Career Information Systems, Occupational Outlook Handbook and the Department of Labor, a participant will have a hands-on approach to researching areas of interest for an occupation and compare occupational choices."

The informal free workshop is set for 1:30-3:30 p.m. Thursday. The session is open for individualized help. Time spent in the session depends on the amount of information each participant needs.

To sign up, call 732-6680 or 1-800-680-0274, ext. 6680