Spring Valley High School students Cameron Wallace and Scott Morgan

Nine students from Midlands Technical College’s tri–county service area were recently chosen to participate in the college’s inaugural Turning Point program at MTC’s Center of Excellence for Technology. Turning Point, a program combining high school participation with nationally certified machining courses at Midlands Technical College, is designed to expand the manufacturing workforce by providing a seamless stream of skilled employees into the advanced manufacturing sector.

The two–week Turning Point program introduced students to the business realities of the manufacturing environment through the use of hands–on models simulating an industrial setting, visiting guest speakers, manufacturing and career information presentations, and informational tours of Bose Corporation and Siemens Diesel Systems Technology.

MTC’s Turning Point program offered an understanding of the processes of manufacturing and the high-quality training needed to be competitive in today’s workforce.

For the practical skills training, because of MTC’s partnership with Haas Automation, Inc.—which designated the advanced manufacturing education floor of the MTC Technology Center as the first Haas Technical Education Center (HTEC) in SC and is the largest manufacturer of computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine tools in the United States—students utilized the finest and most high–tech equipment available in the metalworking industry. They created real–world products including everything from salt and pepper shaker sets and multi–purpose dishes (i.e. candy, soap etc.) to desk sets and remote control car wheels in a simulated manufacturing company.

Through varied curriculum, students became familiar with manufacturing safety rules and regulations, product design, raw material procurement/order entry process, and shipping and distribution. And, upon completion, participants were outfitted with the knowledge to recognize and manage problems and to actively contribute to the production process.

Participants, including high school sophomores to recent graduates, were recommended by their respective Machine Tool Technology instructors.

Carlton Brown, Sam Gantt, Stanley Greene and Christian Johnson represented Fairfield Career and Technology Center; Cameron Wallace and Scott Morgan represented Spring Valley High School; and, Adam Hutto, Tracy Padgett and Jason Williams represented Lexington Technology Center.

The two–week enrichment program ended with a ceremony consisting of completion plaques, WorkKeys Career Readiness Certificates, a tour of the MTC Technology Center shop floor, student project displays, and a set of digital calipers and steel ruler donated by Mahr for each completer. A portfolio that may be utilized for resumé building upon graduation from high school was also maintained throughout the program.