Northampton Community College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony recently for its new Precision Machining and Tool Design Center, classrooms and training labs that will prepare the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals in precision machining and tool design programs. Attendees were invited to tour the facilities in Hartzell Hall on NCC’s Bethlehem campus.

These learning spaces will help address the region’s growing demand for skilled machinists, CNC programmers, toolmakers and other manufacturing professionals. 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 also 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,” President of NCC Dr. David A. Ruth said. “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.”

This project was funded by a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant administered by the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, with the support of state Sen. Lisa Boscola and Rep. Joe Emrick. In addition, the Truist Foundation supported the programs and renovations with a $110,000 grant.

This center will prepare workers to capitalize on this crucial segment of the regional economy.