MEET THE PRO: Jimmy LaBeff, CNC Machinist
By Arkansas Next on Thursday, September 15, 2022
Hometown: Thornton
Age: 28
Where I Trained: Southern Arkansas University Tech
What I Earned: Associate degree in industrial maintenance
Job Title: Machinist General Specialist
Employer: Lockheed Martin
Jimmy enjoys never running out of work when it comes to computer numerical control and welding. After completing his two-year degree program at SAUT, Jimmy began his career welding at a company in Camden. He later joined Lockheed Martin and began mastering CNC machining. He specifically machines blocks or plates of metal down into usable parts for missile canisters, military trucks and launchers. He’s also responsible for setting up fixtures and loading, and setting tools. Jimmy makes offset changes and runs various types of machines.
“There is never a dull moment at Lockheed Martin," Jimmy said. "...we never run out of interesting, meaningful work.
"Attention-to-detail is a must in the shop," he said. "You must be able to step out of your comfort zone...to stay sharp and learn a new way to [improve] your process."
WHAT DOES A CNC MACHINIST DO?
A CNC machinist runs computer-operated machinery to create precision machine parts, tools and other mass-produced equipment. Most products designed are used in the automotive, power, aerospace and manufacturing industry.
Education needed:
CNC machinists are typically required to earn a high school diploma or GED, and then pursue specific CNC training through technical schools or community colleges. Employers prefer to hire someone with a degree, and tech schools typically offer CNC training programs that take two years to complete. A degree is not required and someone can opt to pursue certification.
Job Outlook
►12.6% employment growth for "CNC Tool Operators" in Arkansas in 2021
►1,310 employed as "CNC Tool Operators" in Arkansas in 2021
This option is for you if
- Math is one of your favorite subjects
- You’re dependable
- You're a bit of a perfectionist
- You enjoy computers and techie gadgets
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$50,000
Median wages in Arkansas
$41,250 Annual
$19.83 Hourly
START YOUR TRAINING
- Arkansas State University-Beebe
- Arkansas State University-Mid-South
- Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
- Arkansas State University-Newport
- Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus
- Business and Industry Training
- Camden Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program, Lockheed Martin and SAU Tech Partnership
- Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, Camden Operations
- Southern Arkansas University Tech
- University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
- University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
READY TO HIRE YOU
- Business and Industry Training
- Camden Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program, Lockheed Martin and SAU Tech Partnership
- Central Moloney Inc.
- Hytrol
- Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, Camden Operations
- Pace Industries
- Riceland
Sources: bls.gov
*When employment projections were not available for Arkansas, U.S. projections were used
