Machine Tool Technology

Division of STEAM
Associate Dean: Bradley Cole

The purpose of this certificate program is to prepare students for immediate employment as entry level machine operators. They will become proficient in the operation of basic machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, grinders, drill presses and precision measurement equipment. To prepare for future career opportunities in the operation of machining centers, the College’s first course in CNC programming is also required. Students will develop supportive skills in basic mathematics and writing appropriate to a machinist position and necessary to continue their machinist training in an associate’s degree program in Machine Tool Technology.

Graduates will be able to:

• Immediately enter the workforce with the skills required to run both production and job-shop parts;
• Apply their skills to set-up and operate common manufacturing machine tools;
• Edit CNC programs “on-the-fly” to assist in production scheduling;
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of standard and state-of-the-art metrology to verify parts to a documented drawing.

To provide students with the option of electing this program or the associate’s degree in Machine Tool Technology, the first semester of both programs is identical. High school or equivalent preparation required: Two years of high school mathematics including algebra and either geometry or inter-mediate algebra. Students who don’t have this preparation will be able to get it here, but it may take longer to complete the program. Some required classes are held at off-site locations evenings and weekends. Students must provide their own transportation.

Students must have a good working knowledge of WORD (work processing) and EXCEL (spreadsheets and charts) for science and technology courses. If not already required in their program, students who lack these skills should still take TECH 1110 and TECH 1120 to make up the deficiency. Challenge exams for these courses are also available.