North Harris College CNC (Computer Numeric Control) operator/programmer certificate was created in 1997 in partnership with 12 Houston-area manufacturing companies. Responding to a critical shortage on the CNC machinists, these companies helped the college design the curriculum and have contributed moer than $780,000 in cash and in-kind donations to get the program started. The Texas Workforce Commission awarded a $595,000 grant, which helped with the start up cost. The program started with 20 students and has grown to be one of the top certificates in the nation. In 2001, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board evaluated this program and rated it as an "exemplary" program, which indicates that the program is worthy as a model program for the education community.
In 2002, the Texas Education Commission approved an advanced certificate. While the first certificate, which contains 6 courses, introduces the students to the concept of CNC operation and programming editing, the second certificate, also contain 6 courses, introduces the concept of product management and 4 axis programming.
Students from Aldine ISD and Spring ISD have attended classes in concurrent enrollment classes, gaining both high school and college credit. NHC was one of three community colleges nationwide to participate in a Nation Science Foundation, grant funded, Institute for Women in Trades, Technologies, and Sciences study. The purpose of the study was to attract and retain more females into non-traditional technical career paths.
All of the courses are offered in both day and night sections. A student can enter in any semester and going full time will complete the program in two semesters. Students earning the second certificate must enter in the fall semester and will complete it in two semesters going full time. Students going part-time will complete either certificate in three semesters. High school students in the dual credit program with their high school will complete the program in the summer semester after high school graduation.