Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
Eastern Gateway Community College is partnering with the Oh-Penn Manufacturing Collaborative to offer advanced machining classes this fall that may lead to an associate degree.
The two-year program will prepare students for jobs in advanced machining while earning industry-recognized credentials from the National Institute for Machining Skills.
Due to industry growth and a retiring workforce, about 300 machinist positions are expected to open in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties and Lawrence and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania.
The average starting wage for an entry-level machinist is $14 per hour; earnings for an experienced machinist average $19.03 per hour.
A demand exists in the field of manufacturing for trained machinists.
EGCC is a recipient of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant program, which has allowed it to develop this program. Students in the program will learn about computer-aided machining and machine programming.
Classes begin Aug. 24 with open enrollment through August.
Tuition is about $3,450 per year, and financial aid is available.
Interested students are encouraged to register soon to get the best financial-aid package. For information or to register, contact EGCC at 800-682-6553 or the Youngstown Admissions Office at 330-480-0726. Information also is available at egcc.edu.