CNC Operator Graduates Celebrated
Brooklyn Park, MN — Â鶹ÊÓƵ is proud to announce the successful completion of the first cohort of its Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA) CNC Operator program. This groundbreaking initiative trained seven students over a 10-week period, providing them with hands-on experience in CNC operation, industry-recognized certifications, and job placement support.
The program, supported by a Drive for 5 workforce development grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), was created to open doors to high-demand manufacturing careers for adults with level-one autism. The initiative blends technical education with inclusive practices that emphasize equity and accessibility.
“Â鶹ÊÓƵ Tech is proud to lead the way in building a workforce that reflects the talents and diversity of our communities,” said Joy Bodin, President of Â鶹ÊÓƵ. “These graduates are proof that when we remove barriers and focus on skills, everyone wins.”
Nearly all graduates from similar UAA model programs across Minnesota have gone on to gain employment as skilled CNC operators, a trend Â鶹ÊÓƵ Tech aims to continue as the program grows.
The success of this first cohort in this Machine Tool Technology program underscores the college’s ongoing commitment to expanding pathways into the skilled trades, particularly for underserved and neurodiverse populations, while meeting the urgent needs of Minnesota’s manufacturing industry.
For more on the impact of the Uniquely Abled Academy and to hear directly from participants, view the feature story by CCX Media, aired August 5, 2025. The segment highlights how the program is transforming lives and creating new opportunities in Minnesota’s manufacturing workforce. Watch the full story at
About Â鶹ÊÓƵ
Founded in 1972, Â鶹ÊÓƵ Tech is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Â鶹ÊÓƵ Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.