PORT ANGELES — Peninsula College is one of 12 community and technical colleges in Washington to receive workforce development funding to support programs that provide skills and job readiness training.
The $150,000 will be used to purchase a 5-foot by 10-foot computer numerical control machine that uses a computer program to control the precise movement of mechanical tools in manufacturing and several handheld CNC precision routers for the college’s construction technology program, according to a press release.
The industry standard equipment “marks a major step forward in preparing students for the evolving demands of the construction and woodworking industries,” the release said. “With these advanced tools, students will gain valuable experience in digital fabrication and precision cutting techniques used in modern construction and manufacturing.”
Students will learn how to use the tools in a number of the college’s construction technology program classes, including mass timber, cross-laminated timber, and timber frame construction and cabinetry and custom woodworking.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern digital tools, giving our graduates a competitive edge in the workforce,” the release said.
The goal is to have the equipment installed and operational by winter quarter, which will start Jan. 5.
Funding for the one-time projects comes from the state Board for Community and Technical Colleges’s Workforce Development Fund program, which includes Invest in Washington funding. A total of $1.6 million was awarded to the schools through a competitive process.
