Maintaining an industry standard inside the classroom is no easy task, but the Metals Manufacturing Program at Western Harnett High School has done just that and officially renewed its accreditation through NIMS. In receiving this national recognition, Western Harnett staff and faculty demonstrate their continued commitment to excellence in metalworking training within the state of North Carolina and for the greater good of the U.S. Manufacturing industry.

Since first becoming accredited in 2007, the Metals Manufacturing Program continues to offer national, industry credentials to students and Instructor Johnny Howington has blazed the trail by earning eight NIMS credentials – including the Certificate of Special Merit, a special distinction for those who earn seven Machining Level I credentials through NIMS.

The renewal review process includes a comprehensive self-evaluation that is validated through a rigorous on-site evaluation, which occurred on April 2, 2014 and was led by NIMS Evaluator Joan Cook of the RICOWI, Inc. Joan issued above-average ratings in all areas of the evaluation and, in combination with the high school’s self-evaluation and other criteria, NIMS Director of Accreditation Catherine Ross issued the renewal.

This accreditation is based on NIMS Machining Level I Standards, with an emphasis in:

• Drill Press I
• Grinding I
• Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout
• Measurement, Materials, and Safety
• Manual Milling I
• Turning I: Turning Chucking Skills
• Turning I: Turning Between Centers

To learn more about this program, contact:

Johnny Howington, Instructor | Western Harnett High School | jhowington@harnett.k12.nc.us | (910) 893-8151