MADISON, FL – In October, industries across the nation recognize National Manufacturing Month to inspire the next generation to view manufacturing as an advanced high-tech industry, re-establish the U.S. as the global leader of manufacturing education, and strengthen the U.S. workforce through education and job training.
North Florida College shares in the celebration via its Industrial Machinery Maintenance (IMM) program, where students can earn the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Certified Production Technician credential as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certifications.
When students complete the program and receive their certification, they will be eligible for entrance into career pathways such as Industrial Machinery Mechanic, Machinery Maintenance Worker, Millwright, and more.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023-2033 projections, employment of industrial machinery mechanics nationally is expected to grow by 15% - much faster than the average for all occupations. The anticipated growth is a result from the need to replace workers who transfer out, exit the labor force, or retire. In Florida, the median annual wage for those in this career is $57,650.
Two students in the IMM program are stand-outs and deserve recognition during National Manufacturing Month.
Ta'Keya Jones of Madison, Florida goes to NFC full-time while working two jobs. She anticipates NFC’s IMM program will offer her an advantage when applying for the military, where the IMM certificate will help establish, a higher rank starting out.
“This prepares me for my future plans to enter the Air Force,” states Jones. “I have three [IMM] certifications right now and am working on the fourth. Entry level in the Air Force is an E1, but with all four certifications I will be an E3 and make more money.”
Criston Dember, also of Madison, walks over six blocks to attend NFC’s IMM classes. His decision to enroll in the program was due to its hands-on offerings of multiple manufacturing experiences. Dember knows this certification will expand his workforce opportunities.
“I wanted to do something really tangible that I could take to many [future careers],” states Dember. “I’ve really enjoyed Solid Works 3D modeling and printing; it’s a lot of fun. I love the job I’m training for.”
The IMM program will recognize its first cohort to graduate during NFC’s Fall Commencement Ceremony on December 12th, 2024:
- Rashaun Alexander – Madison County
- Axel Hernandez-Flores – Suwannee County
- Jasper Jones – Madison County
- Ta'Keya Jones – Madison County
- Wyatt Liles – Lafayette County
- Toviel Woloszyn – Suwannee County
“We designed this program for students who have varying schedules and cannot spend six hours every weekday for two or more full semesters to complete,” states Bill Eustace, Technical Education Instructor. “The flexibility built into the program is a great fit for students and their busy lives. I am extremely proud of this first group of IMM 1 completers.”
For more information on the NFC Career and Workforce Education, please contact Bill Eustace, Technical Education Instructor, at 850-973-1670 or email eustaceb@nfc.edu.
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Ta’Keya Jones, a student of NFC’s Industrial Machinery Maintenance program, learns on the advanced Amatrol pneumatics trainer.
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Criston Dember (In foreground), a student of NFC’s Industrial Machinery Maintenance program, assists another student connecting components on the basic pneumatics trainer; a starting point in the program for first semester students working with fluid power systems.