A CNC lathe machine preparing to cut a metal part.
DuBOIS, Pa. — Continuing and Community Education at Penn State DuBois is preparing to offer both its die setter training and entry level computer numerical control (CNC) lathe training programs in spring 2024.
“These programs have historically been specifically for incumbent workers currently working in the powdered metal or metal machining industries where the participants have been sponsored by a company,” said John Brennan, director of continuing and community education. “However, with the numbers of career-seeking residents growing and those job seekers looking for new opportunities due to layoffs, this is a great opportunity to develop skills for entry level jobs in these industries.”
For those who have a mechanical background and an aptitude for the math that is required to learn to become a die setter or CNC lathe operator, these trainings offer the opportunity to learn skills for further career development.
Penn State DuBois, in partnership with several of the region’s leading companies and Workforce Solutions of North Central Pennsylvania, has developed introductory courses that provide a combination of high-level classroom and hands-on training. The classes all take place in St. Marys and DuBois and meet several times per week in the late afternoon to help accommodate multiple schedules. Class sizes are limited to allow more interaction with the instructors and there are a limited number of classes each year.
Entry level CNC lathe training
This 67-hour course is for job seekers and existing employees who would like to learn the basics of CNC lathe operating and programing skills. This course not only features engineering instructors from the region, but also features numerous veteran CNC operators to allow students to gain both knowledge and skills to become CNC lathe operators. All classes will take place on campus.
Dates for this training will take place from March 4 through May 2, with exact dates and times to be announced as the start date approaches. The registration fee for this training is $3,250 per student. Class size is limited to allow for more interaction between students and instructors.
To learn more details about the CNC lathe training, visit the course website.
Die setter training
Penn State DuBois also worked with several of the region’s leading manufacturing companies to develop a 70-hour course for both existing employees and job seekers who have the aptitude and skills needed to become a valuable die setter. The classes all take place in St. Marys and DuBois over a three-month period.
Utilizing some of the region’s best engineering instructors and veteran die setters, students gain both the knowledge and the skills to tackle all types of press set-ups from straight-wall, flange and spherical to multi-action set-ups like dual top and dual bottom processes. Hands-on classes are taught using Gasbarre presses.
Dates for this training will take place from March 18 through May 23, with exact dates and times to be announced as the start date approaches. The registration fee for this training is $5,000 per student. Class size is limited to allow for more interaction between students and instructors.
To learn more about the die setter training program, visit the course website.
Those interested in discussing qualifications and eligibility for either of these programs should contact John Brennan via phone or email for more information.
Continuing and Community Education at Penn State DuBois is a bridge between Penn State resources and our partners, including business and industry, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and state and federal agencies. Our programs cover manufacturing and quality, engineering, human and health services, food service, computer and electronics, construction, professional and business services and more.
