Machine Tool Program Earns NIMS Accreditation

As of November 3, the Machine Tool Technology Program at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (Mayfield, KY) is officially NIMS accredited. Based on industry-set standards for quality, This accreditation is the highest benchmark for metalworking training programs in the United States.

By becoming accredited, the staff and faculty at the tech center have met NIMS quality requirements, which include a Self-Evaluation, Faculty Credentials, Student Credentials, and an intensive two-day On-Site Evaluation at the tech center.

The On-Site Evaluation occurred on October 16-17 and was conducted by a three-person NIMS Evaluation Team that included certified evaluation team leader Joe Waskevich, GE Appliances education representative Stuart Jones, and Henderson Co. High School industry representative Barry Jackson.

After a comprehensive facility inspection, observation of active students, plus in-depth interviews with program faculty, administrators, and local employers, the Evaluation Team was highly impressed, giving the program above-average ratings in the evaluation areas of: Program Purpose, Program Features, Equipment, Tooling, & Measuring Devices, Program Administration, Program Faculty, Advisory Committee.

This accreditation is based the industry written, industry-approved NIMS Machining Level 1 Skill Standard, with a focus on four main skills credentials including: Job Planning, Benchwork & Layout, Measurement, Materials & Safety, Milling 1, and Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers.

Congratulations to the team at Mayfield/ Graves County Area Technology Center especially instructor Chad Pickard and many thanks to the NIMS Evaluation Team.

www.nims-skills.org