Machine tech programs approved

Flathead Valley Community College’s board of trustees adopted two certificates in industrial machine technology at its regular December meeting held Monday.

The programs were developed through work paid for by a $3 million federal grant to transform the college’s curriculum in advanced manufacturing.

 Kristen Jones, vice president of instruction and student services, described the Technician Track Level I Certificate as geared toward a worker who had not been in the workplace for some time. She said it strengthens math, safety and soft skills.

She described Level II as aimed at people in the work force looking to “deepen” their skills. Jones said that the Level I certificate is not a prerequisite to admission to the Level II machinist certificate.

“We would advise them as to what would be the appropriate track for them,” she said.

Both certificates allow a student to get started during an interim session between the semesters and then take a full slate of classes during the following semester. It allows for an accelerated completion time.

Under Level I, a student would take Introduction to Manufacturing Processes and Machine Shop Fundamentals for three credits in the interim session and then courses totaling 16 credits during the semester. Under Level II, a student takes Mill and Lathe Systems for four credits in the interim session and then five courses for a total of 14 credits during the semester.

The goal of the grant was to find ways  to train students to industry standards in as short a period as possible. As part of the program, Jones said students finishing Level II would be asked to take the test for the National Career Readiness Certificate, a new program designed to show a student where they stand in both technical and soft skills.

“They can take the certificate to an employer and say, ‘I tested at the silver level and that means I have these skills,’” she said. “We’re also working with getting employers to recognize those certificates.”

In response to questions, Jones said that Montana was just getting on board with this program, which is recognized in many areas across the United States.

Karas said that these programs represent just the first two developed from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative. She said employers played a strong role in developing the curriculums for both certificates.

“It’s important to remember that,” she said.

Trustees voted to approve both Level I and Level II certificates.

In other action, the board voted to pledge its building and grounds fees as a second revenue source in its application for a $2.4 million Intercap loan. The 10-year loan would provide liquidity to pay for construction costs of the new health building until the rest of a $4 million gift is received.

Karas said the Board of Investments required the second source of repayment even though the college does not expect to need a second source to pay back the $2.4 million. She said the college expects to repay the loan in less  than 10 years.

  Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.