New Hennepin Tech Programs Helps Students With Autism Learn Job Skills

New Hennepin Tech Programs Helps Students With Autism Learn Job Skills

A new program at Hennepin Technical College is helping students with autism get a leg up on the job market.

The new machine tool technology program provides the training to help these individuals start their careers.

Xiong Lee, an instructor in the program, helped students get acquainted with a machine shop.

“Attention to detail is the most important thing, because we’ve got to remember that quality is the most important thing for a company,” he said.

Over a 10-week period, he taught this group of students to read blueprints, operate tools like a lathe or a drill press, and ultimately run a CNC machine.

“This group of students have been learning, a lot of it is machining 101,” Lee said. “They have learned everything that we could teach them to get a job in CNC machining or become a CNC machine operator.”

It’s been a great introduction to the manufacturing business for students like Nate Schermerhorn.

“I like how I can use my hands and apply my skills with math,” he said. “It’s been really good and I think I would like to make a career out of it.”

Soft Skills Training

The job training for this group continued in the classroom.

“This class is aimed at teaching the students soft skills, which is kind of the social aspect of working a job, which some people with autism might have struggle areas in,” said success coach Gabe Miller.

It’s also given students a chance to connect with each other.

“It not only teaches them CNC machining, but it also gives them a community,” Miller said. “It’s a good community of people, we’ve really gotten to know each other really well.”

The program was funded by a $250,000 Department of Employee and Economic Development Drive for 5 grant.

Similar programs elsewhere in the state have placed nearly every participant in a job.

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