Glen’s journey from desk job to mechanical passion
Glen Garriss inside the Computer Integrated Machining Lab at CFCC’s North Campus.
After seven and a half years of working for a delivery company, Glen Garriss reached a pivotal realization: without a high school diploma, his prospects for advancement within the company were limited. Recognizing the need for a change and determined to chart a new career path, Glen began weighing his options.
Together with his wife, he decided to enroll at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) to earn his GED® qualification. This decision marked the beginning of Glen’s transformative journey toward unlocking new opportunities and pursuing his passions in a different professional realm.
FROM CHILDHOOD FASCINATION TO CAREER ASPIRATION
From a young age, his affinity for tinkering with cars alongside his mechanic father ignited a deep love for manual craftsmanship. Dissatisfied with the repetitive nature of his desk job, Glen yearned for a career that would harness his innate mechanical talents and provide him with a sense of purpose.
Those early experiences left an indelible mark on Glen, fostering a deep appreciation for hands-on work and the tangible results it yields. Fueled by his desire to pursue a fulfilling and practical vocation, Glen embarked on a journey to explore a career that would utilize his talents and grant him the opportunity to engage in a profession he truly loved.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
As Glen pursued his GED at CFCC, a close friend who had recently earned an associate degree in Computer Integrated Machining encouraged him to consider a similar path. Witnessing his friend successfully transition from a 20-year butchery career to a CNC operator position at GE Aviation inspired Glen. His friend also shared insights about the job outlook and potential income as a CNC operator.
“My friend kept telling me that I need to go do this. He said I can make good money at it,” shared Glen. “He said there are companies needing CNC machinists. He finally talked me into it.”
INSPIRED BY PROMISING JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Glen’s friend’s advice about the job opportunities in machining was indeed well-founded. According to data from bls.gov , there are currently over 400,000 machinist jobs in the United States, and this number is expected to increase by an additional 3,900 jobs by 2031. The median salary for machinists in 2021 was $47,940, indicating a competitive earning potential in this field. Furthermore, certain industries such as aerospace, paper mills, and metalworking manufacturers offer even higher median salary ranges, with figures surpassing $58,000.
These statistics highlight the promising prospects and financial rewards that await individuals pursuing a career in machining. Excited by the possibilities and the prospect of further education, Glen felt inspired to embark on this new adventure.
PURSUIT OF A GED AND INTRODUCTION TO MACHINING TECHNOLOGY
However, before he could enroll in the two-year curriculum, Glen knew that obtaining his GED was a prerequisite. Driven by his determination, Glen committed himself to his studies, fully aware that earning his GED would be the crucial first step toward attaining his associate degree in Computer Integrated Machining and opening doors to a promising future in the field.
In the meantime, Glen learned about a new short-term training program called Machining Technology . This program provided him with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to engage in machining operations while still working toward his GED. Intrigued by the opportunity to delve into the field before committing to a longer curriculum, Glen saw this program as a chance to sample the career choice with a small investment of both time and money.
Not only did this training program offer practical hands-on experience, but Glen also discovered that the course credits earned could be transferred to the full curriculum program if he decided to pursue it further. This discovery presented Glen with a valuable stepping stone, allowing him to explore the world of machining while keeping his options open for future academic and vocational pursuits.
“Glen is an awesome student to be at this point in his career,” commented Machining Applications Instructor Celeste McCain. ”He is willing to learn and eager to progress to the next level in his career. I hope he continues to want to learn and become successful in his new career field.”
PATH TO ENROLLING IN THE CIM PROGRAM
The Machining Technology course sparked a genuine passion within Glen, igniting his determination to pursue a career in the field. Fueled by his growing enthusiasm, he now sets his sights on enrolling in the associate degree program to further his knowledge and skills.
Before taking that leap, however, Glen recognizes the importance of ensuring he is fully prepared for the more advanced curriculum. To bridge any knowledge gaps and enhance his readiness, he intends to enroll in another short-term course that will bring him up to speed in preparation for entering the CIM (Computer Integrated Machining) program.
With his sights firmly set on achieving his goals, Glen is determined to take the next step forward. In the coming weeks, he plans to test for his GED, knowing that it is a milestone toward continuing his career pursuit and realizing his dreams in the field he has grown to love.
