Precision Manufacturing and Machining graduate Hunter Smith was one of 556 graduates from Meridian Community College on Friday.

Come Monday, the 22-year-old Meridianite will be working full time as a computer numerical control (CNC) programmer with GMJ Aerospace Machine Works in Wilmer, Ala.

But he’s not the only one from his Precision Machining class set to advance to the workplace or university. There are five others.

“All of our 2016-17 graduates are placed before graduation and many will start work on May 15,” said Brian Warren, MCC chairman of the Industrial Division and coordinator and instructor of the Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology Program. “We only have one graduate that will not be going to work. He has been accepted into the University of Mississippi and will pursue his degree in mechanical engineering starting Fall 2017 before entering industry. I still consider this a success since it is directly related to our industry and that was his stated goal when he started the program two years ago. We are once again at 100 percent placement and could have easily placed a dozen more,” Warren said.

Two years ago, as a student at MCC, Smith was searching for a career. “I signed up for millwright (program) first, but I met Brian Warren and he talked me into doing Precision Manufacturing and Machining instead,” Smith said.

“I looked for something that would make good money and it was a two-year program. I’m glad I did that. I really like it.”

Warren said the students’ hard work has yielded results. “This group should average at least $45,500 their first year,” he said, noting the figure goes higher after probationary period concludes.

Smith credits Warren for his success. “I think this program prepared me really well. By going to state competition and meeting a lot of other students it was pretty clear there were teachers that didn’t do what Mr. Warren does for us.

“He opens the shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays and at night so we can come in and get extra time on the machines,” Smith said. He explained during the first year, Warren concentrated teaching manual work and manual machines and during the second year CNC machines. “He prepared us really well. We had time to learn – basically a lot of repetition and trial and error,” Smith said.

Another classmate, Aaron Adams, 20, of Meridian, studied collision repair in high school and after an introduction to Warren from his teacher, he made the career switch. “It was a great learning experience. Mr. Warren wants you to try – it’s something different every time.” Adams will start Monday as a machine operator with the Meridian-based U.S. Blades.

Guy Rawson, 29, of Meridian, will begin work with the Morris Group – Haas Factory Outlet soon as well. He also credits Warren. “He’s very thorough and he always took time out to help you.”