Did you know that Ray-Pec High School students can learn computer integrated machining and manufacturing skills? Students earn dual credit through Metropolitan Community College, and the courses prepare students for jobs in machining and manufacturing immediately after graduation or to pursue additional education toward an engineering degree.

Currently, 10 seniors participate in the half-day program, which is housed in the Ray-Pec Academy building. At the end of this school year, the program will move to a new home.

Beginning with fall 2022, the program will be located in the LEAD Center at M-58 highway and Foxridge Dr. LEAD stands for Learning, Experiences, And Discovery.

While most of the coursework takes place on the Ray-Pec campus, some Saturdays may be spent at the MCC Engineering Student Machine Shop at the Business and Technology Center. Seniors are eligible to apply for the program. To participate in the machining program, students must have successfully completed Materials & Processes I. Successful completion of Materials & Processes II and CAD experience is highly recommended.

The courses include:

• Introduction to Machining and Manufacturing

• Machine Shop Safety

• Introduction to Blueprint Reading 

• Manual Lathe Operation

• Manual Mill Operation

• Lathe Operation Fundamentals - students will learn the fundamentals of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathe programming and operation

• Mill Operation Fundamentals - students will learn the fundamentals of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mill programming and operation

Credentials Earned in the Program

• Mill Certificate

• Lathe Certificate

• OSHAA 7100 Certificate

• Potential NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) Certifications for the following:

  • CNC Lathe Operations

  • CNC Mill Operations

  • Drill Press I

  • Milling I

  • Turning I

  • Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout

A 2021 graduate of the program is currently studying Industrial Engineering in college. Of the current students enrolled, four plan to study engineering in college, one plans to use the training for work placement in the military, and three plan to participate in a Computer Integrated Machining and Manufacturing (CIMM) internship during the summer. Other students are undecided at this time about their post-graduation plans.

For more information about the program contact the instructor, Abe Lewis at abram.lewis@raypec.org. #aschoolofchoiceRP

Pictured: Chance Bronson uses a Manual Mill to cut a hexagonal head on his project.