The Phil Buggs Company, LLC
How a Roman Catholic Priest and a local Civil Rights Organization Transformed My Life in Skilled Trades
In 1981, Detroit was facing an economic downturn. Jobs in the "Big Three" automakers were disappearing as manufacturing moved overseas, leaving many African-American men without a clear path forward. It was during this uncertain time that Father William T. Cunningham, a local parish priest and Director of Focus: HOPE, posed a life-changing question to a room of 60 hopeful trainees: “How would you like to never be poor again?”
Father Cunningham introduced us to the machinist trade, a field that plays a foundational role in manufacturing. Machinists create the tools that, in turn, build the machines responsible for producing nearly every product you can think of. His vision was simple yet powerful: this was a skill that could ensure lifetime employability. For me, this was an opportunity I couldn’t ignore.
The Rigorous Selection Process
Entering the machinist training program was no easy feat. It started with a staggering 4,400 applicants, yet only 60 of us made the final cut. The selection process was intense, involving multiple rounds of testing. We faced written exams, dexterity tests, logic puzzles, and mechanical aptitude assessments. Finally, we went through a challenging panel interview. By November 30, 1981, the first class was officially underway.
Nine-Month Journey: Theory, Practice, and Job Readiness
The program spanned nine months and was divided into two main components: theory and hands-on practice. Additionally, we received training in job readiness skills like conflict resolution and job interview preparation. Each day was structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience. The group was split into two sections—Section A and Section B. One section started with theory in the morning followed by lab work in the afternoon, while the other did the opposite.
Our mornings began with 30 minutes of physical exercise, inspired by Japanese training practices. This routine helped build teamwork and camaraderie among us. It was tough but rewarding, as it laid the foundation for the intense work we would face in the shop.
Learning the Trade: From Theory to Practice
On the theory side, we delved into the history and significance of the machinist trade, which became prominent during World War II. We covered essential topics like shop math—focusing on addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and even trigonometry with an emphasis on right triangle formulas.
On the shop floor, we learned to operate various manual machines, including milling machines, lathes, and surface grinders. My first experience was with a South Bend lathe, where I made a machinist's hammer handle. Before being allowed on any machine, we had to complete a challenging exercise: using a single-cut file to square a one-inch steel cube by hand. This meticulous process taught us precision and patience. Additionally, we had to sharpen a quarter-inch drill bit perfectly before it was tested by drilling a hole; the chips had to be symmetrical on both sides.
The Introduction of CNC Technology
During the early months of the program, a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) milling machine sat unused in the shop. At that time, CNC technology was new and unfamiliar to both us and the industry. Traditional numerically controlled (NC) machines had been around, but CNC machines brought a revolutionary shift by integrating computer systems to control machining processes using Cartesian coordinates (X, Y, and Z axes). This advancement meant that machines could automatically cut parts with high precision, setting the stage for the future of the trade.
Mentorship That Left a Lasting Impact
Two instructors, in particular, profoundly influenced me. The first being Claude Harvard, a black engineer who had worked under Henry Ford and had twenty-nine invention patents to his credit. The second was James Curtis, affectionately known as "JC," whose skills as a machinist was exceptional as anything he told us to do came out right the first time! Their expertise and passion for the trade instilled in me a deep appreciation for machining, a love that has stayed with me for over four decades.
Looking Ahead: My Post-Graduation Aspirations
Graduating from the program filled me with a sense of accomplishment and a clear vision for the future. Professionally, I aimed to pursue a career in the skilled trades with an emphasis on CNC programming. Even in those early days, I saw CNC technology as the future of the machine tool manufacturing industry, and I was determined to be part of that evolution.
Reflections
Reflecting on this journey, I realize how pivotal that training program was. It provided a pathway out of economic uncertainty and into a fulfilling career. Father Cunningham's vision, combined with the rigorous training and mentorship I received, set me on a lifelong path in the machinist trade. It's a path I am proud to have taken, one that offered me not just a job but a lasting skill set that I continue to value to this day. Ultimately, this incredible journey led to the unforgettable moment of shaking hands with a future President of the United States.
