Two Illinois high schools earn NIMS accreditation for precision manufacturing programs

Fairfax, Va.-based NIMS has announced accreditation of the precision manufacturing programs at South Elgin High School, South Elgin, Ill., and Streamwood High School, Streamwood, Ill. The staff and faculty of both schools and of School District U-46 have met NIMS standards for metalworking training.

This marks the first time that each program has secured NIMS accreditation, the only national benchmark for excellence in metalworking training as based on national industry-written, industry-approved standards.

An on-site evaluation included facility inspections of both metalworking shops, as well as interviews with students, instructors, administrators, and local employers. Following these events the evaluation team gathered enough evidence to recommend accreditation and issued above-average ratings in most areas of evaluation including program purpose, facilities, equipment/tooling/measuring devices, administration, instructional staff, and advisory committee support.

The accreditation is based on NIMS National Level I Machining Skills Standards with an emphasis on CNC milling operations, CNC turning operations, job planning, benchwork, and layout; and measurement, materials, and safety.