Missouri State University-West Plains will offer machining technology training program beginning March 18 at the Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Technology (GOCAT), 395 Jackie Garrett Ave., in West Plains.

The 16-week course is non-credit and will meet from 5 to 8 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday.

“The program will give students the entry-level skills needed to become technicians in the automated manufacturing industry,” according to Sheila Barton, manager at GOCAT.

“Our manufacturing partners have expressed an ongoing need for employees who can step into a production position utilizing the knowledge and skills gained through technician education,” she added.

In the first eight weeks, students will learn about various manufacturing materials and processes and how to use machines and tools such as lathes, drill presses, milling machines.

The second eight-week session will provide a basic foundation of safety, blue print reading, and operation and programming of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools and other automated manufacturing machines.

“The program is ‘hands-on’ so students will have a real feel for the manufacturing environment,” Barton said.

Students must be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll. Cost of the program is $833.

For more information about the machining technology training program or to enroll, contact Sheila Barton, manager at GOCAT, at 417-255-7784 or sheilabarton@missouristate.edu.

For more information about GOCAT and its services, visit the GOCAT website.

For more information about Missouri State-West Plains and its academic programs, the university’s website or call the admissions office at 417-255-7955.