Northampton Community College (NCC) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 18 in Hartzell Hall on the Bethlehem campus for its Precision Machining and Tool Design Center.

This fall, building upon the success of NCC’s noncredit introduction to machining program, which boasts a 75% completion rate and a 98% employment placement rate, NCC is launching a Specialized Diploma in Machining Fundamentals, a Certificate in Precision Machining and CNC Basics, and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Precision Machining and Tool Design.

“We are always listening to our workforce and industry partners and asking how we can do more. Our new programs in precision machining are an example of how we are constantly seeking to innovate and help our local economy stay on the cutting-edge of industry, manufacturing, and technology,” said NCC President Dr. David A. Ruth.

The project was funded by a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant administered by the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and was made possible through the support of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, State Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-16th) and State Rep. Joe Emrick (R-137th). In addition, the Truist Foundation supported the programs and renovations with a $110,000 grant.