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 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, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.” For a more detailed breakdown of these occupational titles, such as education required, tasks typically involved, technological skills recommended, etc., visit www.onetonline.org.

While working in the manufacturing career cluster as an industrial/manufacturing engineer, Keith says that there were a few aspects of the job that he enjoyed in particular. “[My favorite part about working in the field was] resolving problems,” he says. He adds that typically an associate degree or technical certificate is required to enter the field, and that it would be helpful to take certification or training classes in order to get a better understanding of the equipment and the job itself.

"[It's] a good paying, steady career. There's tremendous opportunity and good wages."

Keith says that most people looking to emerge in the field have one thing in common: “The desire to create something,” he says. Keith says that, in addition to having the desire to create, it is also important for those looking for success in the field to enjoy solving problems with programs and parts. He adds that one can do this by learning as much as possible about the field as soon as possible.

Among the many advantages of working in manufacturing, Keith says that one aspect may catch one’s eye more than others.

“[It’s] a good paying, steady career,” he says. “[The] first year, [you can make] over $40,000, [and in] two to three years, over $50,000. [There’s] tremendous opportunity and good wages.”

As mentioned earlier, Keith is now a CNC machining instructor at ASU – Newport, helping students learn the necessary skills in order to emerge in the industry as successful as possible.

According to ASU – Newport, ““ASUN’s advanced manufacturing technology program teaches the skills you need for today’s manufacturing facilities and machine shops. The manufacturing industry uses advanced computer-aided drafting, programming, machining and computer numerically controlled machines (CNC) to design, manufacture and deliver products to the customer. Students receive hands-on experience in, computer numerically controlled machines, computer-aided design and drafting, and machining. This exciting program trains students that are in demand from companies such as ABB, Unilever, Best Manufacturing, Alexander’s Machine Shop and many others.”

One can glean just from the overview of the industry and its varying occupations, that manufacturing jobs can provide steady work with exceptional income to those who are willing to gain the knowledge necessary to keep up with the technological ability of the equipment.