Cerritos College News Release

NORWALK, Calif. - July 15, 2008 - Cerritos College is proud to announce that its Woodworking Manufacturing Technology Department has received funding over $100,000 from the Perkins Career and Technical Education Program, a federal source of funds for occupational program improvement. The funding, which will be used to purchase a nested base CNC router, was awarded thanks to the commitment and efforts of woodworking instructor Mike Jones. “Nested base CNC is one of two major computerized technologies for cabinetmaking; the other is manufacturing cell,” said Jones. “Obtaining the nested base CNC router ensures that our cabinetmaking students will be exposed to the complete set of cabinetmaking technologies”.

Cerritos College is already equipped with manufacturing cell machinery: a point-to-point machining center, a beam saw and an edge bander. This technology is appropriate in high-volume manufacturing settings. The nested base CNC router performs both cutting and machining operations, as well as more flexible 3D machining. Nested base technology is favored by small custom cabinet shops because it is less expensive and requires less floor space.

With over 2,700 custom cabinet shops in Southern California, the demand for skilled employees with CNC training is growing. With the new router, Cerritos College will be equipped to prepare students for a wider range of jobs in the industry. The next step is course work. As Jones explains, “After the equipment is installed, we will revise our curriculum to include the new technology. We will touch on nested base CNC in many of our existing cabinet classes. We will also develop at least one new class that involves application of new CAD/CAM software to produce custom machining of parts and products”.

Cerritos College offers a certificate and degree program in cabinetmaking. The program teaches wood finishing, cabinet design, construction and installation. For more information about the program, contact (562) 860-2451 x2986.

Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 200 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently nears 20,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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Cerritos College

Releases 2008