Established in 1973, the Machine Tool Technology Program at United Technical Center set a new height in program history by becoming nationally accredited by NIMS as of December 22, 2015.  NIMS Accreditation is the highest benchmark for metalworking training programs in the United States as based on national, industry-written and industry-driven skills standards. 

With this national accreditation, the training program demonstrates its commitment to providing industry-level training for the Harrison County community, the state of West Virginia, and for the greater U.S. Manufacturing Industry.  Tech center staff and faculty met the stringent quality requirements set forth by NIMS, which included a program self-audit, the certifying of faculty and students in NIMS national, industry credentials, and an intensive two-day on-site evaluation at the center.

The on-site evaluation occurred in November 2015 and was conducted by NIMS Lead Evaluator Gregory Chambers (Oberg Industries, Inc.), who was assisted by Education Representative Kurt Norris of BridgeValley Technical and Community College and Industry Representative Greg Racicot of Haas Factory Outlet-Midwest.  The visit included a comprehensive facility inspection, observation of student safety habits and a series of in-depth interviews with faculty, administrators, and local employers.

This accreditation is based on NIMS National Skill Standards for Machining Level I with a focus on the manual machining skills.