Four Capital High School seniors are finishing high school this week with college-level milling knowledge -- a first in the state for this particular training.

Michael Stringer, Skyler Reeves, Kyle Brewer and Travis Blatter received a Haas Automation Computer Numerical Control Training Certificate.

"It's a big deal because they've proven a set of skills and knowledge they can take to an employer," said Jim Weber, machining and welding instructor at Capital.

Using that certificate to boost his resume in hopes of landing a job this summer is just what Reeves, 18, intends to do. He's also going to UM-Helena this fall on a machining scholarship.

Reeves said he'll enter the work force with skills many applicants don't have, and he credits that to Weber's class.

"This class gives you more job opportunity -- it shows you what the afterworld is like instead of sitting in class doing book work," he said.

Gone are the days when Weber learned machining by planning out the milling projects manually. Today's machinist technology is much more advanced, and Weber has spent the past few years teaching himself at home. Now he instructs his students how to write programs that tell the machine where and what to cut.

Weber says nobody gets it right on their first attempt.

Brewer, 19, had to redo one part three times before he got it right, and he's not new to the industrial arts world. He started welding scrap metal with his uncles when he was 10.

Brewer said he's proud to have achieved the certification while in high school, and in just one year.

"It's complicated, and four of us did it," he said with a smile. "It will help us significantly to get a job."

There's high demand nationally for machinists, and if Weber has his way, that void will be filled in part by students graduating from Capital.

"So many businesses across the country need people with these skills," Weber said. "There's not very many because it's hard and it takes the right kind of person who is patient, persistent, meticulous and a problem solver."

George Cobb, state representative for Haas Automation, gives Weber credit for the effort he's put into the program.

"What goes on at CHS is the greatest untold story in Montana," he said.

Cobb said Weber is providing students with the opportunity to nearly have the equivalent of a two-year education in machining before they leave high school.

"He's on the same level with them, but when it comes time for him to be a teacher, he does that," Cobb said. "It's cool to watch and I'm not sure how he does it."

Cobb said Montana currently doesn't have a post-secondary level accredited CNC program, but UM-Helena is starting one this fall.

"They are going to walk out of Jim's class with this certificate that will allow them to walk into any machine shop in the state or out of state with skills, and no school can provide that right now," he said.

"The Helena community has so much to be proud of," Cobb said. "This is done because of the foresight of administration -- they understand that importance. The jewel of the whole Pacific Northwest is at CHS."

Reporter Alana Listoe: 447-4081 or alana.listoe@helenair.com