Rolla Technical Institute Now Offers CNC Machine Training
[IMAGE ‘790’ /]Stiles Machinery is pleased to announce that Rolla Technical Institute (RTI) recently acquired a Weeke Vantech CNC router to provide their students with the opportunity to learn the basics of CNC machining.
Located in Rolla, Missouri, RTI is an education service of Rolla Public Schools. The technical training offered by RTI prepares students with real-world skills and encourages them to pursue further career-related college or technical training. In particular, their Wood Manufacturing and Design program includes “hands-on” experiences in the areas of conventional machining, residential cabinetmaking, assembly and finishing. Students actively participate in the design, planning and fabrication of a variety of wood products. The Weeke router is the school’s first CNC machine.
The Cabinetmaking Instructor for RTI is Robert Studdard. Robert clearly understands the importance of educating the future workforce of the woodworking industry. He is the recipient of the WoodLinks Educator of the Year award and is active with Skills USA. He recently attended Stiles Education courses, along with his colleague, Don Block, the Drafting & Design, Surveying Instructor at RTI, to learn how to operate their new Weeke and properly train their students to do the same. “We are excited to offer our students the chance to learn how to operate a CNC machine,” stated Robert during his training session.
Along with RTI is Rolla Technical Center (RTC), which is a separate building that houses the allied health programs, a few technical programs, the Rolla Public Schools administrative offices, and a satellite branch of East Central Community College. Collectively, the buildings and school are known as RTI/RTC and serve approximately 600 secondary students annually. The students are from 10 sending schools located in four different counties. RTI/RTC also serves about 300 adult students annually as part of the school’s community and continuing education program. The school serves as a satellite for East Central College and William Woods University, and this program also develops customized training to meet the needs of local businesses. RTI/RTC has been providing career and technical education since 1968.
On June 9th, Stiles and Rolla will be hosting a free open house event to showcase the school, their Wood Manufacturing and Design program, and the new Weeke Vantech CNC router. For more information, visit the events calendar.