Kevin Dukes Career & Innovation Academy

The Gene Haas Labratory for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

Precision machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. The precision machining curriculum includes necessary skills for students to fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments.

The Gene Haas Laboratory for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering at the Kevin Dukes Career & Innovation Academy is an exciting, hands-on Precision Machine Technology program that will prepare you for college or employment after graduation from high school.

Shop safety, blueprint reading, bench work, lathe set-up/operation, mill set-up/operation, precision measurement/inspection, and surface grinder set-up/operation highlight the numerous machining processes taught in this exciting program. Now featuring 5 axis machining and metal 3D printing.

Using power saws, grinders, lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and computer-controlled machining centers, you will learn to produce close-tolerance parts from metal and plastic.

Our program also offers advanced instruction in the set-up, operation, repair, and programming of computerized machines that produce parts. You will learn to design and manufacture a project using CAM (Computer-Aided Machining). You will also learn to set up, operate, and design complex programs for CNC (Computer Numeric Controlled) lathes, mills, and CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine).

Our shop is equipped with Clausing manual machines and  fully-tooled with HAAS-CNC mills and lathes. We also have an inspection area with a Zeiss coordinate measuring machine, and a computer lab featuring MasterCAM. Students will also receive the opportunity to gain industry-recognized certifications.

Career Opportunities

The knowledge and skills learned in Precision Machining, lay a foundation for careers in many fields including:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Engineering
• Medical
• Military
• CNC/CAM Programmer/Operator
• Machinist
• Tool & Die Maker
• Mechanical Inspector
• Mechanical Engineer
• Machine Operator
• Jig & Fixer Builder
• Mold Maker
• other commercial business sectors.

After completing this program, you will be prepared to work in almost any manufacturing environment. If you plan to attend college, we can help you earn college credit through our program. 

Competitions

The Precision Machining program has a rich history of competing in local, state, and national competitions. The Precision Machining program at the Jackson County Technical Center has laid claim to 69 total State medalists and 13 National medalists in SKillsUSA competitions over its 50-year history.

This list most recently includes: A trip to the final 16 in Project MFG featured on "Clash of Trades", a national gold medal winner in 2024 in CNC programming, a national gold medal in 2023 in Automated Manufacturing, a national gold medal in 2021 for CNC milling specialist, a national silver medal in 2024 in Automated Manufacturing technology and a national silver medalist in 2022 for CNC milling specialist.

The Jackson County precision machining program has continued to build its foundation through SkillsUSA. We are well represented in State and National competitions each year. Students take pride in defending our county as not only the best high school manufacturing program in our state, but one of the best in the nation. SkillsUSA has assisted countless students in our school. Through this partnership, we have provided motivation and high-quality standards for all the students who attend our program. We look to continue our strong partnership and success with SkillsUSA for many years to come.