For Rowan College at Burlington County student Christian Miller, it’s all about the process. Miller works with machinery, and his duties span everything from lean manufacturing principles to daily inspection reports to tool centering and geometry. He also manages projects to ensure productivity and quality.
Miller, of Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, recently earned his Machine One Journeyperson certificate from the United States Department of Labor after completing RCBC’s manufacturing machinist program. The program prepares individuals for entry-level positions in the advanced manufacturing industry, covers blueprint reading, applied math, job layout, hand and power tools, manual milling, manual lathe, grinding, band saw and CNC lathe and mill machines. It also provides a NIMS Level 1 certification.
“The whole program was a memorable experience! To be able to work hands-on with the machines in my field as a group and discovering the trade secrets that help me in my everyday job was truly fulfilling,” Miller said. “The most memorable experience overall was being able to pull through as a whole during the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We had the support from RCBC’s workforce development team every step of the way until the end!”
Miller chose RCBC over other colleges because of the flexibility offered, giving him the ability to coordinate classes with his full-time job as a Level 2, Swiss CNC machinist at Tecomet. He’s enjoyed the program so much that now he’s looking to level up with an engineering degree from RCBC.
“After discussing career opportunities with Tecomet, they agreed that RCBC’s curriculum was perfect for what I needed to improve and advance in my career,” Miller said. “Upon completing the RCBC courses for the machinist program and considering my career path, it made the decision a no-brainer. I have a desire to understand and master the manufacturing industry, so with it being broad and filled with windows of opportunity, engineering seemed like the perfect pathway! Doing so, I hope to create processes with design and programming machines, leading me to learn how to develop plans from start to finish with precision.”
Along with his increased skill set, Miller’s career path should take a huge leap within Tecomet’s engineering team, as he becomes a stronger asset and possibly advances to higher management. As he works toward his degree, he will also be working full time, gaining on-the-job experience.
When he’s not busy working or taking classes, Miller enjoys renovating his home, working out and spending time with his two beautiful daughters and soon-to-be fiance.
To learn more about RCBC’s engineering programs, visit rcbc.edu/academics/engineering-technology.