Pictured: Dave Thomas (far left), Gene Haas Foundation, presents $10,000 to MTC for machining student scholarships. MTC machining students Traci Payne, Matthew Liddell, Caleb Wash, instructor Michael Rendas, student Mark Tucker, director Valerie Viands,

The Gene Haas Foundation granted Manatee Technical College $10,000 to award scholarships to students in the CNC Production Specialist and Machining Technologies programs. Both programs prepare students for NIMS credentials.  The Haas Foundation’s primary goal is to build skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships for students of CNC machining technology and NIMS credentials.  NIMS is the nationally recognized industry standard for validating skills in precision manufacturing. MTC is graduating students with an average of 7 NIMS certifications.  This is good news for local industry. “This area is busting out at the seams for machinists,” said MTC machining instructor Michael Rendas. “Local companies are eager to hire my students and get them working before they even graduate.” Machining is an occupation in advanced manufacturing, which is a key business sector in the Bradenton Area.  According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, machinist is on the Regional Demand Occupations List for this workforce region with a mean wage of over $20 per hour. Scholarships can be used for student tuition, books, tools students are required to purchase for the program, and fees students must pay to take the exams to earn NIMS credentials.    

Anyone interested in more information on the scholarship or the machining programs at MTC may contact Rendas directly at RendasM@manateeschools.net.

Pictured: Dave Thomas (far left), Gene Haas Foundation, presents $10,000 to MTC for machining student scholarships. MTC machining students Traci Payne, Matthew Liddell, Caleb Wash, instructor Michael Rendas, student Mark Tucker, director Valerie Viands,