Advanced manufacturing is a critical sector of Tennessee’s economy. Compared to national rate of 5.2%, job creation in TN is soaring in manufacturing fields. It accounts for $30.2 billion in manufactured goods exported every year and a 9% overall increase over last four years. After several years of strong job gains, the demand for skilled workers shows no sign of slowing.
Lauderdale County is preparing its students for these high demand, high skill ,and high wage careers. RHS has an advanced manufacturing program furnished with state-of-the-art equipment for our 4 Programs of study: Welding, Machining Technology, Mechatronics, and Welding.
This program, taught by Mr. Wayne Maupin, provides students from Halls High and Ripley High with basic to advanced techniques of welding procedures and processes common in industry. Basic and advanced electric arc, oxyacetylene cutting and welding, MIG and TIG welding practices are taught using stainless steel, aluminum and other metals. Our welding department is equipped with Miller mig welders, miller stick welders, tig welders, oxygen and acetylene torch, and plasma cutters. Other state-of- the-art equipment for use in teaching students advanced manufacturing skills are Haas CNC mill and lathe, manual mill and lathe, surface grinders, vertical and horizontal band saw, and CNC plasma tables.
Students may earn NIMS certifications, OSHA 10 certifications, and CPT certifications under the advanced manufacturing programs of study. Hours taken at RHS also count as dual enrollment and are counted for clock hours for their first TCAT certificate.