Chattahoochee Tech Launches New Diploma Program

Chattahoochee Technical College has rolled out a new diploma program and early registration for the spring semester begins Nov. 4 for new and current students. The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Technology program will be offered at Chattahoochee Technical College’s North Metro Campus in Acworth, and leading the class will be Jack Dempsey of Polk County.
Dempsey has 20 years of experience in the machining industry, including manual machining, programming 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-axis CNC machines, planning and quoting, as well as managing and owning his own shop. Through his experience, he has observed trends in the industry and said that the CNC Technology program will provide students with the essentials to succeed in the 21st Century machining industry.
“CNC Technology is the way of the modern machine shop,” Dempsey said. “You have to stay up on the new technology and machining trends to be competitive in the machining industry today.”
CNC machining is a process used in manufacturing that involves the use of computers to control machine tools. CNC technicians are responsible for loading the machine instructions into a computer, setting up the machine and tooling, and then starting the machine. The machine will make the part with minor interaction until it’s time for another part.
“The CNC Technology program will include setup, programming and operation of CNC machining centers and CNC turning centers,” Dempsey said. “There are many available jobs in our service area for CNC technicians, and career opportunities include general manufacturing, fabrication/prototyping and production. Our program will be providing the learning experience with new modern machinery and equipment.”
On their way to becoming CNC technicians, students will learn blueprint reading, layout and math for machining, as well as the basics of machining on manual mills and lathes. The program, which is designed to take 64 weeks to complete, also includes lessons on setting up a CNC machining center, manual programming techniques and basic MasterCam programming (CAD/CAM programming).
“The best part of the experience is that the students will learn how to apply all these skills on the shop floor by programming, setting up and running the machines,” Dempsey said. For more information about the CNC Technology program, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu/cnc-technology.

Chattahoochee Technical College’s CNC Technology instructor Jack Dempsey works on installing new equipment in the program’s lab, located on the North Metro Campus.

About Chattahoochee Technical College: A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Chattahoochee Technical College is the largest technical college in the state with more than 15,000 students enrolled in the past academic year. The college has eight campus locations serving the counties of Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Gilmer, Paulding, and Pickens. CTC provides a high quality, easily accessible college education at a fraction of the cost of other area colleges and universities. Chattahoochee Technical College awards more than 70 certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in 45 programs of study through traditional classroom courses as well as online training. The college also provides the community with learning opportunities, including customized workforce training, adult literacy and continuing education programs. For more information, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.