Ivy Tech Warsaw awarded $10k from Gene Haas Foundation to fund machine tool technology training

Ivy Tech Community College Warsaw is partnering with Haas Automation and Haas Factory Outlet Indiana to provide high-quality education and training focused on advanced machining.

The Gene Haas Foundation recently awarded $10,000 to the Ivy Tech Foundation for scholarships to fund machine tool technology training at Ivy Tech Warsaw’s Orthopedic and Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (OAMTC). This training will help students learn skills for high paying, high-demand careers in the advanced manufacturing industry, targeted to CNC machining, tool and die, and CNC programming. Graduates work in high-demand industries including orthopedics, automotive, aerospace, agriculture, consumer goods, and recreation.

“Experienced machinists are retiring in large numbers and this leaves a tremendous gap where current supply is not meeting demand,” says Tom Till, Director of Advanced Manufacturing at the OAMTC. “While this seems like a good problem, we need to fill open positions so employers can meet current demand, but they can also grow their businesses to meet future needs.  Not doing so opens the potential for companies to shift work to other cities, states and countries that have an available and trained workforce.”

“We’re fortunate to have Ivy Tech on the front lines helping to close the skills gap in Indiana,” says Toni Neary, Haas Factory Outlet Director of Education. “Local manufacturers need skilled machinists in order to keep manufacturing here at home, which is a personal mission for Gene Haas and the Gene Haas Foundation.”

Founded by Gene Haas in 1999, the Gene Haas Foundation has awarded more than $52 million to deserving charities and educational institutions. The foundation was formed to fund local community needs and to support manufacturing education. The foundation provides scholarship funds to community colleges and vocational schools for students entering technical training programs, especially machinist-based certificate and degree programs, and supports youth programs that inspire young people to consider manufacturing careers.