Advanced manufacturing machinists and tool-and-die makers are highly-skilled, highly paid professionals who combine excellent ‘mechanical aptitude’ with the latest software programming and design tools. It’s a good profession that’s in demand. They use raw materials to form and fabricate them into a finished machined part that must meet the exact geometrical, dimensional, and tolerancing of the blueprint or a solid model created from a computer-aided design program. In the development of prototypes, machinists may be working with engineers as a team member. Machinists must have the skills to operate different types of manual machine tools including mills, lathes, drill presses, and grinders. In newer shops, machinists operate CNC (Computer Numerical Control) versions of the manual machines listed previously. Metals such as steel, cast iron and aluminum, plastics, and composite materials are machined.
Goals and Certificates
You may choose to earn one of the following:
- Campbell Adult and Community Education (San José City College class at CACE)
Description
Campbell Adult and Community Education in San José, CA (with San José City College) offers courses through the Career Technical Education Program.
- Advanced Manufacturing course is a bridge to college program specifically designed to transition students to San José City College courses that allow students to work with the type of equipment used in industry to get the skills that will get them jobs. Student Learning Outcomes include: Use a micrometer for precision measurement, Calculate the appropriate RPM for a given machine, and tool, Create a CNC program for a drilling operation manually, and explain the difference between “G” and “M” Codes.
Prerequisites and Required Assessments
There are no prerequisites for enrolling in the Advanced Manufacturing pathway programs. Even though a high school diploma or equivalency is not required, you may find that some employers prefer to hire employees with a high school diploma or equivalency. There are also more options for financial aid at the community colleges for students who have a high school diploma or equivalency.
You must take a placement test to enroll in Math and English classes for the general education requirements needed to earn an associate degree. You should meet with a counselor to determine the correct placement in these classes.
Training Providers
How to Get Started
Contact provider for testing, registration, and details on prerequisites.
Wage Data and Employment Outlook
Once you complete this pathway, you will be prepared for employment in the following fields: machinist, tool and die maker. Explore these and other careers at O*Net Online.
You can find current salary information for jobs in your location at Creative Group Salary Guide:
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You can find additional current salary information for jobs at PayScale
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