CNC lathe and die setter training programs upcoming at Penn State DuBois | Penn State University

A CNC lathe machine completing a cutting process. Credit: Adobe Stock. All Rights Reserved.

May 21, 2024

DuBOIS, Pa. — Continuing and Community Education at Penn State DuBois is preparing to offer both its die-setter training and entry-level computer numerical control (CNC) lathe training programs, with both courses starting in August.

“We are excited to once again offer these programs to our area,” said John Brennan, director of continuing and community education. “With demand remaining high for skilled workers in these sectors, these courses offer individuals, whether currently employed, seeking a career change or currently looking for their next opportunity, an outstanding learning experience to expand their mechanical knowledge.”

For those who have a mechanical background and an aptitude for the math that is required to learn to become a die setter or CNC lathe operator, these trainings offer a great starting point for further career development.

Penn State DuBois, in partnership with several of the region’s leading companies and Workforce Solutions of North Central Pennsylvania, has developed introductory courses that provide a unique combination of high-level classroom and hands-on training. The classes all take place in St. Marys and DuBois and meet several times per week in the late afternoon to help accommodate multiple schedules. Class sizes are limited to allow more interaction with the instructors, and there are a limited number of classes each year.

This 64-hour course is for job seekers and existing employees who would like to learn the basics of CNC lathe operating and programing skills. This course not only features engineering instructors from the region, but it also utilizes numerous veteran CNC operators to allow students to gain both the knowledge and skills to become CNC lathe operators. Both high-level classroom learning and hands-on training are part of this course, with all classes taking place on campus.

This training will take place from Aug. 26 through Oct. 24. The registration fee for this training is $3,250 per student. Class size is limited to allow for more interaction between students and instructors.

Visit the CNC lathe training course website to learn more.

Penn State DuBois also worked with several of the region’s leading manufacturing companies to develop a 70-hour course for both existing employees and job seekers who have the aptitude and skills needed to become a valuable die setter. A unique combination of high-level classroom and hands-on training, the classes all take place in St. Marys and DuBois over a three-month period.

Utilizing some of the region’s best engineering instructors and veteran die setters, students gain both the knowledge and the skills to tackle all types of press set-ups from straight-wall, flange and spherical to multi-action set-ups like dual top and dual bottom processes. Hands-on classes are taught using Gasbarre presses.

This training will take place from Aug. 19 through Oct. 24. The registration fee for this training is $5,000 per student. Class size is limited to allow for more interaction between students and instructors.

Visit the die-setter training course website to learn more.

Those interested in discussing qualifications and eligibility for either of these programs should contact John Brennan via phone or email for more information.

Continuing and Community Education at Penn State DuBois is a bridge between Penn State resources and our partners, including business and industry, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and state and federal agencies. Our programs cover manufacturing and quality, engineering, human and health services, food service, computer and electronics, construction, professional and business services and more.

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