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When Henry Piehl, a machinist at Haumiller Engineering in South Elgin, first started in shipping and receiving, he did not imagine he would one day be programming CNC machines. But curiosity has a way of opening doors. 

“I was always fascinated with the machining department, and I wanted to know if I could shadow some people there,” Piehl said. Piehl’s supervisor helped him get information about introductory classes at Elgin Community College (ECC), and his interest in the field continued to grow.  

Today, Piehl is responsible for CNC programming, setup, and operation, helping manufacture precision parts. At the same time, he is enrolled in the apprenticeship program at ECC, taking courses in CAD design, technical math, and CNC programming. 

The program combines eight-week and sixteen-week courses, allowing students to balance classroom instruction with full-time employment. “The instructors are good,” Piehl said. “They’re really there to help.”  

Piehl first attended ECC as a dual credit student while at Jacobs High School in Algonquin, taking automotive courses. At the time, machining was not on his radar. 

“I never had an interest in machining until I started working at Haumiller,” he said. “I saw the CNC machines and talked with some of the guys that work in that department. It became really fascinating to me.” 

That fascination has turned into a long-term career path. Through the ECC and Haumiller apprenticeship program, Piehl logs his work hours each month, building toward earning his journeyman card, a credential that carries significant weight in the industry. 

“That is a huge deal,” he said. “It proves that you finished being an apprentice, you put in the work and the time, and you can take that anywhere.” 

Experienced machinists at Haumiller offer Piehl guidance daily. “When they see you doing something, they give you a helping hand,” he said. Combined with formal instruction at ECC, that hands-on mentoring has accelerated his growth. “They say, ‘try it this way’ and it actually works better than what you were doing,” Piehl said. “There’s just so much knowledge.” 

He also sees strong financial and professional stability in the field. With many seasoned machinists nearing retirement, demand for skilled workers continues to grow. “It’s definitely a better career for financial stability,” he said. “There’s going to be a need for a lot of machinists coming up.” 

As ECC prepares to open its new Manufacturing and Technology Center, Piehl is excited to continue his coursework in a modernized space equipped with updated machines and expanded lab areas. “It’s exciting,” he said. “New machines, new technology. It’s a great step forward for manufacturing in Illinois.” 

For those considering the apprenticeship path, Piehl’s advice is simple: “If you’re on the fence, just do it. Even sign up for a couple of classes to see if it’s something you want to do with your life.” 

See what makes ECC a bright choice. Discover more than 120 degree and certificate programs for immediate employment and university transfer. Visit elgin.edu/success to explore programs, connect with admissions, and start your journey today.