In Polk County, machinists of all types are in high demand, with a 5.9 percent projected growth rate over the next five years. Nationally, the number of CNC machine tool operators is forecasted to increase 17 percent within that timeframe.
That is why in 2017, Polk State launched its CNC program to train the next generation of highly skilled machinists for Polk County’s more than 100 machining companies. More than 180 machinists have been trained through the program so far. Darah Greenwald is a 2018 graduate of the program who completed both the operator and programming tracks. She was immediately employed upon graduation like many completers of the program, which boasts a 94 percent job-placement rate and a nearly 98 percent pass rate on all NIMS certification exams, illustrating Polk State’s success in creating a talent pipeline of skilled machinists. “In four months, I went from working in fast food and not knowing anything about machining, to having a high-paying job in the field,” said Greenwald, who serves as a machinist for international company JBT in Lakeland. “Polk State provided me with everything I needed to get a job and everything I learned helps me every day in my career. My job as a machinist has given me a sense of livelihood and I encourage everyone to try it out – it can change your life.” Polk State’s first cohort of students with the Metallica Scholars Initiative will start the CNC Machining Program in August. Individuals who are interested in the program should contact Coordinator Jamie Rowan at [email protected] or 863.837.5954.
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