Veteran finds career with purpose through Macomb’s M3 program
Friday, January 23, 2026 12:00 AM
After serving in the military and exploring career paths, Noor Alsaigh found himself searching for work that felt meaningful and sustainable. The search led him to the M3 (Michigan Maritime Manufacturing) CNC (Computer Numerical Control) program at Macomb, where he discovered a new career and sense of purpose.
Noor graduated from the M3 CNC Machining program in September of 2025 and today he is working as a CNC machinist at Williams International in Pontiac, a manufacturer of commercial and military aircraft.
What is CNC machining?
CNC machining is a manufacturing process where computers control machines like drills, lathes, or mills to shape metal, plastic or other materials with high precision. The process is common in industries such as automotive, aerospace and electronics.
“It’s programming these giant cutting machines and designing codes that turn raw blocks into tangible parts,” Noor said. “It’s an involved career. You are not just pushing buttons; you’re controlling the machines.”
How does someone become a CNC machinist?
Noor, who grew up in Sterling Heights and graduated from Warren Mott High School in 2013, initially envisioned a future in the medical field. But after attending a few semesters at Oakland University, he realized medicine was not the right fit.
He left college and joined the Air Force where he was exposed to radio systems, satellites and other types of technology, something he said he enjoyed. When he was discharged in 2021, he entered the civilian workforce and landed several sales jobs. Despite the success, something was missing.
“I was struggling to find myself and figure out what career matched me,” he said. “I knew deep down I wanted to get into the skilled trades.”
Noor learned about the M3 CNC program at Macomb through Michigan Works. He discovered it was a no-cost training opportunity designed to help individuals break into in-demand careers in CNC and welding.
“Honestly, I had never heard of CNC before,” he said. “But once I did my research, it really clicked. CNC merges programming and physical machining. It matched my interest more than anything else I’d looked at.”
The M3 program, which is at Macomb’s MTECH (Macomb Technical Education Center) campus, is a structured 17-week program, in which students attend class eight hours a day, Monday through Friday. Students spend their time in both the classroom and on the machines.
The program welcomes veterans and gives preference to those with military backgrounds when spots fill up. In addition, job placement assistance, tutoring and other helpful resources are available for all students.
“Macomb took me from a job I couldn’t see myself doing to a long-term career,” he said. “Now I feel like I’m still contributing to the military and the Air Force in my own way.”
To learn more about the M3 CNC Machining and Welding programs please visit our webpage.
Noor graduated from the M3 CNC Machining program in September of 2025 and today he is working as a CNC machinist at Williams International in Pontiac, a manufacturer of commercial and military aircraft.
What is CNC machining?
CNC machining is a manufacturing process where computers control machines like drills, lathes, or mills to shape metal, plastic or other materials with high precision. The process is common in industries such as automotive, aerospace and electronics.
“It’s programming these giant cutting machines and designing codes that turn raw blocks into tangible parts,” Noor said. “It’s an involved career. You are not just pushing buttons; you’re controlling the machines.”
How does someone become a CNC machinist?
Noor, who grew up in Sterling Heights and graduated from Warren Mott High School in 2013, initially envisioned a future in the medical field. But after attending a few semesters at Oakland University, he realized medicine was not the right fit.
He left college and joined the Air Force where he was exposed to radio systems, satellites and other types of technology, something he said he enjoyed. When he was discharged in 2021, he entered the civilian workforce and landed several sales jobs. Despite the success, something was missing.
“I was struggling to find myself and figure out what career matched me,” he said. “I knew deep down I wanted to get into the skilled trades.”
Noor learned about the M3 CNC program at Macomb through Michigan Works. He discovered it was a no-cost training opportunity designed to help individuals break into in-demand careers in CNC and welding.
“Honestly, I had never heard of CNC before,” he said. “But once I did my research, it really clicked. CNC merges programming and physical machining. It matched my interest more than anything else I’d looked at.”
The M3 program, which is at Macomb’s MTECH (Macomb Technical Education Center) campus, is a structured 17-week program, in which students attend class eight hours a day, Monday through Friday. Students spend their time in both the classroom and on the machines.
The program welcomes veterans and gives preference to those with military backgrounds when spots fill up. In addition, job placement assistance, tutoring and other helpful resources are available for all students.
“Macomb took me from a job I couldn’t see myself doing to a long-term career,” he said. “Now I feel like I’m still contributing to the military and the Air Force in my own way.”
To learn more about the M3 CNC Machining and Welding programs please visit our webpage.