The Computer-Integraged Machining Technology program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has been accredited by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) through 2020.

NIMS Accreditation is the highest benchmark for metalworking training programs in the country. The accreditation is based on national, industry-driven and industry-written standards.

Evaluation of the program occurred this past summer by NIMS evaluation team.

“We are thrilled to set this new standard in the Computer-Integrated Machining Technology program history at Rowan-Cabarrus,” Colin Robinson, chair of the Computer-Integrated Machining Technology program, said in a press release. “By becoming accredited, the staff and faculty here at Rowan-Cabarrus have met NIMS quality requirements, which included a self-evaluation, earning of NIMS national skills credentials by faculty and by students and an intensive two-day on-site evaluation.”

The on-site evaluation included a comprehensive facility inspection, observation of students’ safety habits and a series of in-depth interviews with faculty, administrators and local employers.

The NIMS team gave the program above average ratings for the following areas:

• program faculty
• program features
• equipment, tooling and measuring devices
• facilities
• program administration

The accreditation of the program is based on NIMS National Skill Standards for Machining Level I with a focus on four machining credentials, including:

• Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling setup, programming and operations
• CNC turning setup, programming and operations
• job planning, benchwork and layout
• measurement, materials and safety

The Computer-Integrated Machining Technology curriculum gives students the analytical, creative and innovative skills necessary to take a production idea from an initial concept through design, development and production to a finished product.

Michael Quillen, vice president of academic programs, said the school is always looking for national certifications and accreditations for its programs.

“It is really important that for our students, for our faculty and for our college, that we reach for the highest level of standard in everything that we do, but especially in our academic programs,” he said at a recent Board of Trustees meeting.

A $491,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation allowed the college to update the program in the last few years.

If students obtain an associate degree in the program, all of the courses are transferable, specifically with East Carolina University’s bachelor of science in Industrial Engineering Technology.