Though graduation is still years away for some of them, more than 100 Armwood High School students are already exploring a career in a field beaming with opportunity — machining. The school’s innovative Machining Technology program consists of four progressive year-long courses, each of which builds upon the knowledge of the previous year. Students who complete Machining 4 will equipped to start a career in the manufacturing industry immediately after high school.

“Students who make it all the way through will get to work on the the machines they’ll actually be using on the job,” said program instructor Michael Rendas.

Supported with funding from Hillsborough County government under the Manufacturing Alliance of Hillsborough County initiative, the high school’s Machining Technology classroom puts cutting-edge equipment at students’ fingertips: a Haas CNC Lathe, ST 20 y with live tooling, VF 2 CNC mill and small bench lathe are among the offerings. Students will also practice additive machining methods, such as 3-D printing, utilizing the in-class computer labs equipped with a state-of-the-art HAAS stimulator. Future investments will include purchase and installation of trainers and curriculum to facilitate students earning the industry-recognized MSSC Certified Production Technician Certification.

Besides keeping the classroom well equipped, Rendas keeps in close communication with manufacturing industry professionals to ensure that the program is preparing students to meet prospective employers’ expectations.

“We teach students how to market themselves for internships and jobs. Some we encourage to take their professional certifications even before graduation. It’s all about helping them pave a path into the manufacturing field,” he said.

Rendas predicts that student interest in the program will boom over the next five years. Considering consumers’ rising demand for domestically manufactured products, opportunities in manufacturing and machining may soon outpace the available talent, creating high demand, and potentially higher salaries, for skilled prospects. If there’s ever been time to consider a career in machining and manufacturing, Rendas says, “it’s right now.”

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