BARTOW, FL — Have you ever considered a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing? Polk State College is now offering its Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Production Specialist Program at no cost to eligible students, providing an opportunity to pursue a career in an industry where CNC programmers earn an average annual salary of $67,650, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The program teaches students how to operate and program computer-controlled machines used to manufacture precision parts for airplanes, automobiles, medical equipment, and other products. Students receive hands-on training using CNC lathes, mills, grinders, and measuring equipment.
According to Polk State College, the new evening program begins October 19, with classes held Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Polk State Clear Spring Advanced Technology Center in Bartow. The program takes approximately one year to complete.
The college also announced that a five-month daytime program is available, with the next session beginning January 6, 2027. Classes run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
According to the college, students can earn up to nine industry-recognized National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certifications in machining and programming.
The tuition-free opportunity is made possible through funding from the Florida Job Growth Grant and Gene Haas Foundation. College officials encourage interested residents to apply while funding remains available.
For enrollment information, email trainingsolutions@polk.edu.
SOURCE: POLK STATE COLLEGE
