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RCC offers Ashland classes ASHLAND -- The machine shop at Ashland High School will be the site of the first classes offered in this community by Rogue Community College. RCC, which began full operation in Jackson County in fall 1997, will offer classes in machine technology and mechanical drawing starting Jan. 4. Students have been able to take similar classes only at RCC's main campus in Grants Pass. "We are devoted to making the connection between kids, the community and industry," said Pete Cislo, Ashland school-to-career coordinator. "We have this wonderful facility that has been used only by students at Ashland High School. We need to share it with adults in the community to make this region stronger. "If we can improve the workforce, all of us are going to benefit." The class in machine technology, taught by Carroll Davis, will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting Jan. 4. The class in mechanical drawing, taught by Ashland High's Michael Titus, will meet from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Cislo said one of the projects for machine technology students is the production of a rock hammer. Machine technology is taught as a three-term sequence, but Davis said those who have taken one or two terms are welcome, as are newcomers. "This is the area's only high school that has this kind of equipment and is still supporting instruction in these technical skills," said Davis, a part-time instructor and full-time student at RCC. Davis said many small manufacturers and other businesses in the Rogue Valley seek workers skilled in machine technology, and RCC has little problem placing graduates. "There is enough information offered in these classes that once they obtain one- and two-year certificates from the program, they have enough knowledge to go out and get a job," he said. "Small manufacturers are having a hard time getting people with the skills necessary to do the jobs that must be done in the valley. Industry is begging for workers with talent, good minds and a good work ethic." Davis eventually will complete a four-year degree at Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls. For more information, call RCC's Riverside center in Medford at 774-1004 or the main campus in Grants Pass at 479-3500. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA