Precision Machinery and Guide, a member of the BC Metal Manufacturing Advisory Group (BCMMAG), has generously donated a Haas Desktop Mill to Prince George Secondary School (PGSS) for students to learn practical, hands-on skills in machine tooling, automation, and production. These skills can provide that vital ‘leg up’ when applying for jobs in metal manufacturing.
“Having computer skills and experience with hand tools definitely helps [in getting an apprenticeship], “says Josh Bergen, co-owner of Precision Machinery and Guide, “As does a good resume and cover letter.” The $15,000 donation includes a Haas Desktop Mill and pre-engineered Fidget Spinner Kit, which provides everything the instructor needs for their first student project. “It’s like an Etch-A-Sketch, “continues Bergen, “but more precise. This will give students and teachers an opportunity to learn rendering manufacturing techniques.”
Comprised of local leaders in manufacturing, machine tool distribution and education, and, in partnership with the Construction Foundation of BC, BCMMAG is finding ways to draw attention to the CNC machining technology through initiatives at secondary schools. They want to increase interest in CNC Machining trades and reduce the increasing manufacturing skills gap in what is BC’s fourth largest sector as a percentage of GDP.
“We are so thankful for this generous donation,” says Doug Borden, School District No. 57’s Career Technical Centre Coordinator, “not only for the donation, but for offering the training on how to use it. Precision Machinery and Guide is helping School District No. 57 navigate the manufacturing industry.”
“There are companies out there who want to do something and just don’t know how, “says Josh Bergen, “This is our ‘how.’”
View the original release from School District No. 57 here.
