Hinds Community College Blog

 
What do you want to be when you grow up? Oscar Wilde once said: "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." Just start exploring what your interests are and you’ll find exactly what you were meant to be by following your dreams. Be wary of those who tell you “you’ll never make any money doing that” or “you should be a...” and then there is that famous “that’s not a career”. 

Do You Possess These Qualities?

• Concentration.

• Customer-service skills.

• Manual dexterity.

• Physical stamina.

• Physical strength.

If your answer is yes then the Meat Merchandising Program (located on the Raymond Campus of Hinds Community College) might be a career path you should explore.

The Meat Merchandising Program is designed to give students the opportunity to master the skills necessary for success in meat merchandising, which includes slaughtering, chilling, aging, quartering, cutting, and inspecting pork, beef, lamb, poultry, and fish. Students are also given the opportunity to learn various types of marinating, seasoning, smoking, grills, roasting and frying of foods.

What Butchers and Meat Cutters Do?

Butchers and meat cutters cut and trim meat from larger, wholesale portions into steaks, chops, roasts, and other cuts. They then prepare meat for sale by performing various duties, such as weighing meat, wrapping it, and putting it out for display. In retail stores, they also may wait on customers and prepare special cuts of meat upon request.

Butchers and meat cutters in meat processing plants may have a more limited range of duties than those working in a grocery store or specialty meat shop. Because they typically work on an assembly line, those in processing plants usually perform one specific function—a single cut—during their shift.

Butchers and meat cutters use sharp tools such as knives, grinders, or meat saws. They must follow sanitation standards when cleaning equipment, counter tops, and working areas in order to prevent meat contamination.

Some butchers run their own retail store. In these settings, they usually track inventory, order supplies, and perform other recordkeeping duties.

Are The Jobs Going To Be There?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of butchers and meat cutters is projected to grow 5% from 2012 to 2022. As more people demand pre-cut, partially prepared, and easy-to-cook meat products, butchers and meat cutters will be needed to prepare them. The popularity of various meat products such as sausages, cured meats, or specialty cuts is expected to result in demand for butchers and meat cutters in grocery and specialty stores.

Need More Information?

This program is located on the Raymond campus of Hinds Community College.  For more information, contact Chad Davis via email at Chad.Davis@hindscc.edu or by phone at 601.857.3719. 

What do you want to be when you grow up? From a young age it was just understood that I was going to college. I would have to figure out what I wanted to be but, I was going. College wasn’t an option; it was just an afterthought...an extension of high school you might say. It would be where I would learn to make a living because everyone works these days. With that being said, you need some common knowledge to know which career path to go down. 

• Analytical skills

• Detail oriented

• Math and computer skills

• Mechanical skills

• Stamina

• Technical skills

If you answered "yes" to any of these qualities, Machine Tool Technology might just be the career option for you.

• Work from computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) files,  blueprints, or sketches

• Set up, operate, and tear down manual, automatic, or computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine tools

• Install, align, secure, and adjust cutting tools and work pieces

• Monitor the feed and speed of machines

• Turn, mill, drill, shape, and grind machine parts to specifications

• Measure, examine, and test completed products for defects

• Compute and verify dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of work pieces

• File, grind, and adjust parts so that they fit together properly

• Test completed tools or dies to ensure that they meet specifications

• Inspect for proper dimensions and defects

• Smooth and polish surfaces of tools and dies

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for machinists and tool and die makers should be excellent as employers continue to value the skills of these workers.  Employers in certain parts of the country including Mississippi report difficulty attracting skilled workers and apprenticeship candidates with the abilities necessary to fill job openings. Manufacturers continue to rely heavily on skilled machinists as they invest in new equipment, modify production techniques, and implement product design changes more rapidly. Machinists are still necessary to set up, monitor and maintain automated CNC machine tools.  Typical jobs filled by students who have completed this program include apprentice machinists, production machinists and maintenance machinists. 

Need More Information?

This program is located on the Raymond campus of Hinds Community College.  For more information, contact Norman Trimble via email at Norman.Trimble@hindscc.edu or give him a call at 601.857.3423. 

Geographic Information Systems Technology

Nearly a quarter of your life is spent at work! Choosing a career isn’t easy but it certainly is one of the most important choices you will make. You need to make sure you understand the skills required for the career path you choose so your career choice will be as close to your “dream job” as possible. Are you detail oriented? Do you enjoy problem-solving? Do you work well with others? Are you always interested in learning new skills? Do you possess excellent oral and written communication skills? These are the skills and characteristics possessed by most successful Geographic information systems techs. 

You might want to explore the Geographic Systems Technology program at Hinds Community College. This program prepares a person for entry-level positions in the geographical information systems field. A geographic information system, or GIS is a combination of map-making and data base technology. A GIS stores, analyzes and manages location-linked data. In perhaps overly simplistic terms, a GIS is a spatial mash-up of data. A GIS uses mapping software along with remote sensing, surveying, aerial photography, and ground truth data. A good GIS allows informative displays of geographic information that may relate to any type of information: medical, socio-economic, demographic, or any other type of information that can be put on a map. GPS navigation programs that people have in their cars or on their cell phones are a GIS application. The wide applications of GIS in dozens of industries has made the position of GIS technician increasingly important.

What Do GIS Technicians Do?

• Research and test new data sources, software, and organizational tools.
   
• Create and implement standards for quality of geographic data.
   
• Design, develop, and implement systems and databases for storing and accessing geospatial data.
   
• Standardize and define metadata for geographic data, and track need for data format conversion.

The curriculum includes computer-assisted drafting, map making, database management, surveying, and applications of geographical information systems. GIS technicians work under the supervision of GIS engineers, managers, cartographers, surveyors, and other professionals to store, organize, retrieve, and analyze resource data for planning and decision making. The need for technicians in this area continues to grow with the rapid development and implementation of GIS technology.

 

Will I Be Able To Find Employment?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs related to and including GIS Technicians is expected to experience a 21% increase through 2016. According to Simply Hired, an entry level GIS technician earns, on average, an annual salary of $32,000. More generally, a GIS tech can earn anywhere from $25,000 to $60,000, depending upon education level, experience, and work location. Recent advancements in mapping technology have led to new uses for maps and a need for more of the data used to build maps. The digital revolution in mapmaking has created a need to make maps based on data fed into a geographic information system (GIS).

Municipalities are finding that putting all the information about wires, pipes and other underground infrastructure onto one map is crucial in implementing systems integration.  This enables them to upgrade the entire infrastructure under a street at the same time, and thus have all needed construction done as one project. This coordination of all such construction projects results in savings for the local government.

Students will find the Geographic Information Systems Technology program at Hinds Community College a reliable and thorough training ground for employment in a wide range of fields. . A typical sampling of positions filled by students who have completed this program include.  GIS specialist, GIS technician, GIS data specialist, GIS data analyst, and GIS assistant.

Need More Information?

 

 

This program is located on the Jackson ATC campus of Hinds Community College. For more information, contact Tony Howard at TCHoward@hindscc.edu or 601.987.8111.   

Engineering Drafting and Design Technology

Choosing a career is stressful! What if you make a mistake?  Don’t worry; pick a path that feels right for you now and know that most people don’t stick with the same line of work for their entire life.  Make the smartest decision you can today and make plans to re-evaluate down the road as your goals and objectives change.  With that being said, let’s explore some possibilities! 

Are you detail oriented and pay close attention to accuracy? Do you like to identify and solve problems? Do you have excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy working independently as well as with a team?  Are you able to work efficiently under strict deadlines? If these qualities describe you, then a career in engineering drafting might be a great choice for you!

The Engineering Drafting and Design Technology program at Hinds Community College is an instructional program designed to educate students in the design of projects in the field of technical graphic representation. Engineering drafters have strong interests in creating drawings for a variety of mechanical and civil projects. They must also possess excellent mechanical skills, mathematical skills, knowledge of design materials, and fluency in computer-aided design software and have visual aptitude in addition to having a solid knowledge of construction procedures. 

What Do Engineering CAD Technicians Do?

• Design plans using computer aided design software

• Work from rough drafts created by engineers to produce detailed drawings

• Use their knowledge to add details to plans

• Pay attention to scale

• Proof drawings

• Prepare multiple versions of design plans for review

• Work under the supervision of engineers

What Are My Career Path Options In This Field?

There are multiple specialties within the engineering drafting and design occupation. Aeronautical drafters prepare drawings and plans for aeronautic devices such as aircraft and missiles. Civil drafters prepare drawings and maps used in civil engineering and infrastructure design. Electrical drafters design plans and drawings detailing the layout and wiring diagrams used to repair and install electric equipment. Electronics drafters draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings used in the manufacture, installation, and repair of electronic devices and components. Mechanical drafters prepare drawings showing the detail and method of assembly of a wide variety of machinery and mechanical devices, indicating dimensions, fastening methods, and other requirements. Process piping or pipeline drafters prepare drawings used in the layout, construction, and operation of oil and gas fields, refineries, chemical plants, and process piping systems.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary wages for detailed drafting occupations in May 2012 were as follows:

• $55,700 for electrical and electronics drafters

• $50,360 for mechanical drafters

• $47,870 for civil drafters

• $46,110 for drafters, all other

Need More Information?

 

 

This program is located on the Raymond and Jackson ATC campuses of Hinds Community College.  For more information on Engineering Drafting and Design Technology program, contact Phil Cockrell (Raymond Campus) at pcockrell@hindscc.edu or 601.857.3422 and/or Shawn Stiff (Jackson-ATC Campus) at Shawn.Stiff@hindscc.edu) or 601.987.8146.

Diesel Equipment Technology - Career training, credentials and a paycheck in your pocket!

What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s been said that people spend more time planning their vacations than their careers. Since a big part of your life is what you do for a living, career planning is something everyone should do. Vacations are “special” but shouldn’t your career be special too? Let's start planning your career! Are you customer service oriented? Do you possess mechanical and trouble shooting skills? Do you like knowing how things operate? All of these are characteristics of a diesel equipment technician. Let's take a look at the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Hinds Community College's Raymond Campus.

The Diesel Equipment Technology program provides students with competencies required to maintain and repair a variety of industrial diesel equipment including agricultural tractors, commercial trucks, and construction equipment. The program includes instruction in inspection, repair, and maintenance of engines, power trains, hydraulic systems, and other components.  The curriculum is based upon the ASE Certification for Medium/Heavy Truck Technician Training Programs, which serves as a national standard for certification of technicians.

What Diesel Mechanics/Technicians Do?

Diesel service technicians inspect and repair equipment such as trucks, dozers, cranes and commercial boats as well as medium duty vehicles powered by diesel engines. They may work on everything from a vehicle’s electrical system to the power train.

As engines and other components use more electronic systems which rely on microprocessors technicians often use hand-held or laptop computers to diagnose problems and adjust engine functions. In addition, diesel mechanics use a variety of power and machine tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, grinding machines, and welding equipment. Hand tools, including pliers, socket and ratchets, and screwdrivers, are commonly used.

Diesel service technicians and mechanics typically do the following:

• Follow a checklist of inspection procedures

• Diagnose malfunctions

• Read and interpret diagnostic test results

• Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, transmissions, engines, and other parts of vehicles

• Do routine maintenance, such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and parts

• Adjust and align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and attach system components

• Repair or replace malfunctioning components, parts, and other mechanical or electrical equipment

• Test-drive vehicles to ensure that they run smoothly

What About Job Opportunities?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 9% through 2022. Demand for new workers in the freight trucking and automotive repair and maintenance industries is expected to drive overall diesel mechanic job growth.

Students will find the Diesel Equipment Technology program has an excellent reputation with local industries looking for skilled workers and placement of students who complete the program is a top priority. Graduates of the Diesel Equipment Technology program are typically employed at a variety of repair facilities that service the trucking and heavy equipment industry with an entry-level salary range of $12 to $16 hourly. 

This Diesel Equipment Technology program is located on the Raymond campus of Hinds Community College. For more information, Brent Johnson at (ABJohnson@hindscc.edu) or 601.857.3478 and Christopher Woodard at (Christopher.Woodard@hindscc.edu ) or 601.857.3424.