Haas Automation allows Pellissippi State Community College to conduct basic mill operator certification tests

Pellissippi State Community College has recently become one of the only two higher education institutions in the country that is able to provide in-person assessments for students seeking Haas certification as a Basic Mill Operator, according to a representative from Haas.

Haas Automation is the nation’s largest machine tool builder, and one of the biggest builders of CNC machines the world over. CNC stands for computer numerical control, and those machines are used in a wide variety of manufacturing settings across many industries.

In an article posted on Pellissippi State Community College, the director of Pellissippi State’s MegaLab Andy Polnicki was quoted on the benefits of learning how to use a CNC machine, saying, “The regional need for CNC machine operators has grown significantly. This training and certification provide an opportunity for people in our region to be prepared to enter this field or get the promotion they are seeking.” 

Earlier this month, Pellissippi State Community College certified four high school students from Blount and Knox counties, making them the first to receive such a certification from the school.

The Haas Certification Program was created after several interactions with Haas customers about their issues finding qualified machine operators. Haas Automation moved forward with that information, and with a desire to help, addressed the labor shortage by creating an online curriculum that can be completed before students can then take an in-person, hands-on test. Passing the test results in the certification.

An unnamed Haas representative was also quoted as saying, “Haas is aware that watching a dozen or so videos will not make a student a machinist. However, we do believe that the videos and the course curriculum that we have created will give students the necessary skills and understanding to successfully become a Basic CNC Operator. Students will also gain exposure to some of the basics of machining that might otherwise take many months on the job.” 

Up until Pellissippi State was granted the ability to provide certification tests, students who finished the Haas certification online curriculum had to take their in-person, hands-on test, at a Haas factory outlet. Now that Pellissippi State is offering these tests, scheduling conflicts at the Knoxville Haas location should happen much less often.

Polnicki went on to talk about the curriculum and the test, saying, “After completion of the online curriculum, the students can schedule a time to come to Pellissippi State’s Hardin Valley or Strawberry Plains campus and participate in a hands-on practical test. A passing grade on the hands-on practical test will yield a Haas Certificate Diploma.” 

Pellissippi State’s offering of Haas Basic Mill Operator assessments is only the first step, as the school is looking to eventually offer a range of Haas certification programs, as well.

Pellissippi State’s new executive director for Workforce Community Development Susan Webb-Curtis talked about the benefits of getting a Haas certification, saying, “Employers are seeking specific skill sets, and specialized certifications such as these can often provide job applicants with an edge over other applicants. The Haas certification verifies that these candidates have completed training and have been able to demonstrate the entry-level skills needed to safely and efficiently operate basic milling machinery. Being able to offer hands-on assessments for the Haas Basic Mill Operator certification is a valuable service that Pellissippi State can now offer through our Haas certified instructors.” 

Students interested in learning more about the Haas Basic Mill Operator certification can email Andy Polnicki for more information at aepolnicki@pstcc.edu.

More information about Pellissippi State Community College can be found at the school’s website.