Jiffy Air Tool CNC machinists and operators recently completed industry training through Western Nevada College's Machine Tool Technology program that can change their careers while providing their company with more skilled employees.

The accelerated training, created and funded by WNC's ROADS program, spanned two months and included both online and in-person, hands-on training customized to fit Jiffy Air Tool's shop floor requirements. 

Confronted with a local labor shortage, Jiffy Air Tool invested in quality employees and provided them with the training needed to become more successful.

"The program provided my team with another point of view outside the shop floor," said CNC Operator Supervisor Chris Dame. “The team was excited about the opportunity to learn and develop their skills.”

CNC Operator William Simas said the program brought them together as a team and allowed them to perform tasks autonomously that they couldn’t have accomplished prior to training. 

Zarek Thomas said they created tools in the class that can be used in their field.

"We made a hammer and a scribe tool with a magnet. We made a few different tools that I'll keep using on the floor," he said.

Furthermore, Thomas said that he previously needed help setting up the Bridgeport machine, but after the industry training at WNC, he can set up the machine on his own. 

Jiffy Air Tool Executive Vice President Dana Belton is optimistic about these employees continuing to broaden their skills.

"There's a lot of growth potential for these guys as they continue to develop their knowledge base,” Belton said.

Belton said the next step for them is to enroll in advanced courses so they can continue to ascend the company ladder.

The students were sponsored through a partnership between Western Nevada College and DETR. The Realizing the Opportunity for the American Dream to Succeed (ROADS) program supports underemployed and unemployed workers through certifications that lead to meaningful employment.

"Because of the ROADS program, Jiffy Air Tool was able to hire employees with potential who just needed training. WNC provided the instruction that will allow these employees to contribute and increase their value to the company," said ROADS Workforce Liaison Michael Boreham. 

For more information about WNC’s ROADS program, go to wnc.edu/roads. To learn more about the college’s workforce development programs, go to wnc.edu/professional-skills.