MiraCosta College's Technology Career Institute (TCI) in Carlsbad will hold a free information session Nov. 17.
The session covers the Uniquely Abled: CNC Operator Program, which trains adults on the autism spectrum to become entry-level operators of computer numerical control (CNC) machines. These automated tools are used across the manufacturing industry. The 16-week program includes job placement support, according to the TCI program page.
Families and prospective students can call 760-795-6820 for details about the Nov. 17 session.
TCI launched the program in 2023 at its campus at 2075 Las Palmas Drive in Carlsbad. Linda Kurokawa, TCI executive director, said at the time that the program aimed to fill employer demand while giving participants a path to a meaningful career, according to a MiraCosta College announcement.
The program has since received a grant to expand, in partnership with the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD), according to a MiraCosta community education page. FDD has funded initiatives for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in San Diego and Imperial Counties for 37 years, according to the organization's website.
As of September 2026, MiraCosta's academy was listed as "in session" on the Uniquely Abled Project's national directory of host schools.
To enroll, applicants must be 18 or older and hold a high school diploma or GED, according to the college's program announcement. They must have low support needs and be comfortable working with machinery in an industrial setting.
Program Supervisor Carisa Chavez can be reached at 760-757-2121, ext. 6528, or at [email protected].
