Welcome to the Precision Machining program at Pike Central High School. In 2010, Pike County School Corporation completed an addition to the high school for Precision Machining and Project Lead the Way.


Since that time, the program has grown and has had many students from the Patoka Valley Schools complete the two-year program and continue their education in the Precision Machining program at Vincennes University. Upon graduation from VU they have successfully gained employment for numerous manufacturing entities in this area.


Perhaps you have heard about the “skills gap” that exists between the skills that manufacturers require in today’s high-tech manufacturing and the knowledge and skills that high school graduates possess. Our P.M. program was implemented in the Fall of 2010 to meet the needs of local and regional industries and to give our graduates additional employment opportunities. This program prepares students for successful entry into the work force or into the Vincennes University programs of Precision Machining (which includes Tool and Die and Plastic Injection Mold Tooling), Advanced Manufacturing, and Industrial Maintenance.


The courses at PCHS are actual VU courses, so students earn both high school and college credits of up to 15 hours at NO EXPENSE. Normally this would cost over $170 per credit hour, which would save students over $2500 if enrolled in the two-year program on campus. Essentially, their core classes for the first semester are completed before they even arrive on campus.

Classes at PCHS meet in a three-hour block in a state-of-the-art facility utilizing both manual and CNC machining equipment. Numerous internship opportunities are also available.

Skilled technicians who are seeking employment in manufacturing have nearly a 100% placement rate. Employment opportunities exist locally, regionally, statewide and even across the United States. Some examples of this include automotive, aerospace, plastics, orthopedic/ health care/ life sciences, stamping, energy, and motorsports.

Those who graduate start out earning $35,000 to $40,000 annually and can quickly increase that to $50,000 to $75,000+ as they gain experience. The program offered at Pike Central gives students a head start into dynamic jobs.

Anyone interested in the Precision Machining program at PCHS and would like more information may Email me at markscott@pcsc.k12.in.us

Friday, April 22, 2016

PM Teams Earn 1st and 2nd in Two Challenges at STEM Competition

Pike Central High School’s Precision Machining Team A won first place in the Kimball Electronics Jasper challenge and second in another challenge presented by Meade-Johnson at the third annual STEM Challenge for regional high school students. The competition was held at Oakland City University on April 8, 2016.

The team, consisting of seniors Madelyne and Nick from Pike Central, and Logan and Noah from Jasper High School, took first place in the business challenge presented by Kimball Electronics Jasper and a second place in another challenge presented by Meade-Johnson.

Other challenges throughout the event were created by Toyota, Farbest Foods, University of Evansville, ATTC, Matrix, and USI/OCU. Prizes were awarded for each business challenge and the top three overall winners from 19 teams throughout the tri-state. 

The competition is designed to motivate interest in science, technology, engineering and math.  It is also geared to assist students in understanding the importance of teamwork and communication in the workplace. These skills are vital to regional economy.  Eight regional companies designed activities to provide real-world business challenges that encompass the skills needed in the work environment.

First place winners and Kimball Electronics Jasper staff representatives of the third annual STEM Challenge

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