Johnson College Students Complete Class Held for the First Time at Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston

Johnson College is excited to announce students completed the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining class, held for the first time in the new educational training space inside Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. Most students are now using their 510 hours of training as they already secured positions as CNC professionals in the workforce.

The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining class provides students with in-demand industry training in a unique setting with equipment that students will become accustomed to once in the workforce. This hands-on curriculum trained students to utilize, maintain and program CNC machines, which perform subtractive manufacturing methods to materials such as metal. CNC professionals manufacture precision products and components used in a variety of applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more.

As Johnson College is a leader in CNC training and has offered this class for years, the unique partnership between the College and Don’s Machine Shop launched due to our mutual belief that industry is our students’ campus. Don’s Machine Shop is the perfect environment for students to be trained in the high demand field. Donnie Eifert, Owner and President of Don’s Machine Shop, saw an opportunity to help give back to the industry by providing a location for the much needed training.

“I was very impressed with how the students worked together and how well the instructors worked with and interacted with their students,” said Donnie Eifert. “We knew this would be a challenging endeavor, made even more challenging by Covid-19 halting class with two weeks left. The students and instructors worked together to complete this class and achieve the level of success we were confident we all could reach.”

The training program gives Northeastern Pennsylvania employers an opportunity to benefit as well. Jim Golden of James Eagen Sons Co. of Wyoming, Pennsylvania enrolled an employee. The results positively impacted the student and their business. Jim Golden shared, “The course presents an easily accessible opportunity for us to improve our processes and gain a competitive advantage. It was a great investment.”

“Johnson College is very fortunate that Don’s Machine Shop opened their doors to us to provide this in-demand industry training. We’ve already begun training another class of students at Don’s. The demand for these skills is growing and we are looking forward to providing this opportunity to others going forward,” said AJ Cimahosky, Continuing Education Manager at Johnson College.

For more information or to enroll in Johnson College’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist program visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-education/ or call Johnson College’s Continuing Education department at 570.702.8979.

Since starting over 30 years ago Don’s Machine Shop, Inc. has grown to be one of the largest machine shops in Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley. Their 77,000 square foot climate controlled facility contains millions of dollars’ worth of modern equipment that are continually upgraded. Don’s Machine Shop, Inc. employs 30 people and makes machine parts for companies around the globe. Many things have changed since this business started over 30 years ago, but their commitment to providing quality parts and service will never change. For more information visit http://www.donsmachine.com/.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 programs. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, Johnson is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional business and industry to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit www.johnson.edu.