Machinist Training Programs and Education Requirements
Machinists operate precision metal-cutting equipment to produce metal parts according to mechanical blueprints. They use a range of cutting and measuring tools, such as lathes, drill presses, vices, micrometers and milling machines. A sharp eye for detail and mastery of metalwork equipment are necessary for this career.
Machinist Training Programs
There are several possible training paths for machinists. Some prepare for the career by attending apprenticeship programs. Others may pursue associate's degrees. Machinists may also train solely through employer training programs or, more commonly, through a combination of formal and on-the-job instruction.
Machinist Education Requirements
A high school diploma or the equivalent is the minimum formal requirement for machinist education. During secondary school, students can prepare for careers in machinery by focusing their studies on subjects such as trigonometry, geometry, metalworking, drawing and computer science. Postsecondary degrees are not required, but some form of occupational training is necessary. Machinists must be expertly familiar with their tools to ensure accuracy, so whether training programs are formal or informal, they should focus on hands-on, technical experience with metal-cutting and measuring machinery.
Apprenticeship Programs
Machinist apprenticeship programs are available through community colleges, vocational schools and metal parts companies. Apprenticeships can last as long as four years and provide beginning machinists with full-time, paid training in metal shops. Apprentices interpret blueprints and practice using basic equipment, such as lathes, saws and grinders, under the supervision of skilled machinists. These programs also incorporate lessons in the classroom, such as instruction in math, drafting and shop safety.
Associate's Degrees
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an increasing number of machinists are gaining vocational training in associate's degree programs (www.bls.gov). Available at community colleges and technical schools, 2-year degree programs in machine technology prepare students for entry-level positions in metalworking. Curricula focus on theory and technical skills applicable to the field. Courses may include precision measurement, computer numerically controlled machinery, blueprint reading, lathe and milling operation, manufacturing math and quality control. After obtaining employment, machinists with associate's degrees are usually required to continue training on the job.
Certification
While not mandatory, machinists may choose to exhibit technical skills by earning professional certification. The Fabricators & Manufacturer's Association, International offers the Precision Sheet Metal Operator designation to qualified candidates (www.fmanet.org). To be eligible for certification, applicants must have one year of machine operator experience, technical instruction or apprenticeship training. They are also required to pass a 100-question multiple choice exam focused a variety of metalwork topics, such as materials, equipment operation, machine maintenance, quality control and safety.
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1 Popular School
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School locations:
- Indiana (1 campus)
- Oregon (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Industrial Automation Engineering Technology
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Tennessee (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Nashville State Technical Community College include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Precision Metal Working
- Machinist
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Michigan University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Machinist
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Minnesota (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Dunwoody College of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Machinist
- Sheetworking
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Wisconsin (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Machine Shop Technologies
- Machinist
- Tool and Die Technologies
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
Other Related Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Tool and Die Technologies
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Utah (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Utah State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Precision Metal Working
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
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School locations:
- Mississippi (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Pearl River Community College include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Machine Shop Technologies
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Montana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at The University of Montana include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Alaska (2 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at University of Alaska include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Welding Technology
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
