Assabet Valley students with Professor Lee Duerden

Last month, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School students came to QCC for a CNC certification. This was the first time high school students have come to QCC to receive a credential. Thanks to funding from the STEM Starter Academy, this certification, which would normally cost $250, came at no cost to participants. Students were also awarded three credits for the Basic Machine Operator course at QCC.

Haas Automation, a machine tool manufacturing company, developed this certification program that teaches students the skills to operate their company's CNC machines. The content is also transferrable to other machine manufacturers. Haas recently approved specific organizations to administer proctored exams in lieu of a visit to the Haas Factory Outlet. Quinsigamond Community College is one of only five organizations in New England to be approved.

"This is a testament to the standard QCC adopts in its CNC training programs. And the fact that this is free to participants offers a significant value to the students and our community," said Professor and Coordinator of the Manufacturing Technology Program Lee Duerden.

The certification includes classroom content which is practiced in QCC's CNC lab with instructor guidance. Students then complete a hands-on exam proving their competence.

According to Duerden, this certification shows employers that these students have met a rigorous standard of competency and that they are ready to safely operate these highly advanced robotic machines. The students who pass this exam also receive a certificate from Haas Automation which they can attach to their resume.