Continuing Education: Manual Machining and CNC Training
No one wants the feeling like they’re not growing at work. But growth can present many challenges. where to start? Can I learn from people around me? Do I need to go back to school? Who will pay for it (will it be me?)
Earnest Machine’s Chris Moran had a desire to do more with machining. Previously, he had done some machining and warehouse work prior to managing Shipping and Receiving in Earnest’s Engineering and Manufacturing Center (EMC), and he did occasionally help run CNC machines, but he wanted to do more.
A degree or license is not necessarily needed to operate a CNC machine, and requirements vary between organizations, but Moran was looking for more education that would help him learn how to better read and structure a CNC program and how to be more efficient in order to increase his output per cycle. While there are several machining veterans in Earnest’s EMC with a wealth of knowledge, Moran was concerned that his additional training would detract from their output, meaning delays for customers which isn’t ideal.
He began searching for a program to extend his CNC machining knowledge. Initially, he was able to find one but it didn’t mesh with his current work/life balance – the class required 4 or 5 meetings per week and the start time of class clashed with the end of Earnest's workday. Additionally, that program would not have begun for 5 or 6 months, and Moran was eager to start his training.
He discussed the dilemma with Earnest’s Director of Talent and Culture, Elise Bastian, who immediately agreed the first program found wasn’t a fit for someone in a full-time position. She also expressed an interest in helping Moran find a program that would fulfill his desire for additional education, but wouldn’t interfere with his personal life. Together, they found a program at the Brecksville Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, specifically its Machine Technology Program. This class met three times a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4pm – 9pm. While this class met frequently, the timing allowed Moran to continue with his full-time work schedule.
Moran enjoyed the classes and found there was more mathematics to it than he would have initially thought, but discovered he had a knack for it; “just seeing a part can trick you because you think all the dimensions are there, but sometimes there’s additional information needed and you have to use some trigonometry and geometry to find the answers,” said Moran.
Moran earned 5 certificates in 2019 for CNC set up and programming, which do not expire. He learned how to read G&M codes (the coding language of CNC machines) and he plans to continue his education in January 2020. The next certificate he’s working toward will be certified by the National Institute for Metal Working Skills.
When asked if there was a huge different between the equipment used in the classroom versus the machines Earnest Machine has in their EMC, Moran confirmed they are different, but not so much that what he learned in class couldn’t translate to work; “In class they used aluminum parts and at Earnest we only use steel. The spindle speed on the CNCs in class are different because of that, but I can ask the people around me to help understand what it should be.”
Earnest Machine provides employees support in continuing education with compensation for a class up to a certain dollar amount. This particular program in which Moran was enrolled also provides financial aid and scholarship opportunities, of which he took advantage. His interest in continuing education has inspired others in Earnest’s EMC to explore gaining additional certifications in machining.
No matter where someone is in their career, learning doesn’t stop. There are always ways of gaining new knowledge and skills which not only benefit an employee personally, but can benefit a company if they’re willing to work with the individual and invest in their future.