Arkansas State University - Newport instructor brings experience to classroom by Spencer Griffin
With major advancements in technology creating jobs in nearly every sector, it should come as no surprise that the manufacturing career cluster is also affected by this technological revolution. In particular, computer numeric controlled (CNC) machinists have been called upon to enter the industry with knowledge of these technological changes and the ability to adapt to those changes as their careers progress. One man helping lead today’s youth into the workforce through these manufacturing advancements is Alan Keith, CNC machining instructor at Arkansas State University – Newport. Keith has been teaching in the ASU – Newport advanced manufacturing technology program for five years. Before Keith got into the education field, he gained his experience through work as an industrial/manufacturing engineer. Before diving into Keith’s thoughts on the industry, it is important to know just what these manufacturing occupational titles
46 | Career Watch Arkansas
represent. For this, we can look at O*NET for accurate definitions of these titles. Machinists (or CNC Machinist) “Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or to maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.” Manufacturing Engineers “Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.” Industrial Engineers “Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control,
