EMT International has introduced an education and certification programme for CNC machining, in response to what the company describes as a ‘tight labour market for highly skilled CNC machinists’.
Specifically, the manufacturer of finishing equipment and transport systems for high-speed, inkjet digital printing, has introduced a ‘boot camp’ to attract new employees and inspire interest in further education and certification in CNC machining.
Four full-time employees have now participated in an eight-week CNC machining programme, which was held across January and February this year. The multifaceted programme included a combination of classroom education, job shadowing and hands-on operational lab training.
Kari Brunette, HR manager of EMT International, said, ‘Our criteria in the selection of candidates for our boot camp CNC machining programme were some level of mechanical skill, a desire to learn a new technical career, and a positive attitude. No level of CNC machining background was required.’
The classroom educational materials included how to read drawings, dimensioning and tolerancing, machine setup and working on a manual machine. Each participant spent an hour a day with a mentor on the EMT shop floor, watching, learning and asking questions to solidify their classroom instruction. Afternoons were spent nearby in lab training at Northwest Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC). which offered participants a hands-on operational experience on multiple machines individually and as a team.
The eight-week programme was guided by EMT International technical trainer Derrick Ray. He commented, ‘All four participants passed the eight-week program and were very pleased with what they learned and elements of the overall program.’
He continued, ‘The intent of EMT’s CNC machinist training programme was to introduce participants to the basics of the technical skills required to pursue a broader one- or two-year CNC Technician Technical Diploma programme at NWTC.’
Based on the experience and success of the CNC machining boot camp, EMT International is now to expand its educational training with similar programmes for other roles within the company.
Ms Brunette said, ‘Over the past year, the focus at EMT International has evolved to create a learning environment for current as well as new employees. In addition to hiring a dedicated technical trainer, we have installed an LMS with customised curriculum training plans and revamped training space in our production area. EMT views innovative educational training as a way to navigate the tight labour market and fill and maintain vital roles with qualified individuals.’
