Considered as one of the premier trade schools in the Pennsylvania and Ohio area, New Castle School of Trades (NCST) has been educating and training students for an exciting new career in the trades industry since 1945. The school, located in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, provides hands-on expertise and highly innovative techniques to future highly skilled technicians.

At NCST, the 60-week Machinist Technology degree is focused on enhancing the abilities and skills for entry-level positions in the field. Students, having the option to take the training in the morning or evening, are expected to have a combination of theory and hands-on work to give them the foundation they need. At the end of the program, graduates will earn an Associate of Specialized Technology Degree. Read more details at ncstrades.edu.

Alfred State College of Technology (ASC) or simply Alfred State is a public college in Alfred, New York that forms part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The college, established in 1945, offers 80 majors and certificates in various fields of expertise at all degree levels.

With a top-ranked program in machine shop technology, ASC prepares students in conducting the safe operation of all machine tools as well as developing hands-on skills in using advanced machine tools. Their Machine Shop Technology degree may also be partnered with a technology management BBA degree program if they desire to jumpstart their career in the machines industry. More information can be found at alfredstate.edu.

The University of Montana (UM) is a public research university based in Missoula, Montana. It is considered the flagship institution of the Montana University System. UM offers high-quality and accessible education by providing programs in a wide range of areas such as trades, business, liberal arts, law, humanities, and sciences.

The Certificate of Technical Studies in Precision Machine Technology at UM is a program focused on the theory and operation of manual mills and lathes, blueprint reading, precision measurements, and use of tools related to the machinist trade. Students in the program earn a credential from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills in all phases of the program. Upon completion, students may enter the workforce, pursue an apprenticeship, or continue to advanced training to earn the Certificate of Applied Science which is also available in the university. To know more about the program, visit mc.umt.edu.

Since its founding in 1972, Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC) is regarded as one of the nation's premier educational and training institutions. Based in Norman, Oklahoma, MNTC provides hundreds of short-term classes and career programs making them part of the 29 technology centers within Oklahoma's globally-recognized CareerTech System.

Among its career or long-term programs is Computerized Numerical Controls (CNC) Machining open to adults and high school students. Upon completion, the program prepares the students for the NIMS Certified Machine Technician exam with opportunities to work as a machinist, manual machinist, lathe/mill operator, or maintenance technician. Visit mntc.edu to check if the program is right for you.

Since its founding in 1964, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Memphis has been operating under the direction of the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The college is located in Memphis, Tennessee making it accessible for all students from the tri-state area. TCAT Memphis is also working with local high schools to enroll over 600 dual enrollment students at different high schools.

The 16-month course in Machine Tool Technology offered at TCAT Memphis aims to prepare students for employment in the machining industry. Skills such as blueprint reading, proper handling of precision measuring instruments, and setting up and operating of machines are part of the program’s curriculum. Students may choose to attend the morning or afternoon classes. Access the requirements for admissions at tcatmemphis.edu.

Tracing its origin in 1963, Manatee Technical College, formerly called Manatee Technical Institute, is one of the public tech centers/colleges in Florida. The college aims to produce highly skilled individuals and resourceful leaders through its 50 career programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and industry-trained instructors.

The college offers several programs related to machine shop technology including Machining Technologies and Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology on their main campus at Bradenton. Both programs are focused to give students a solid foundation and skills in the machining technology and manufacturing industries. The length of the program varies from 5 to 13 months. Access the full description of the program at manateetech.edu.

Immokalee Technical College, commonly referred to as iTECH, is the newest state-of-the-art technical training center based in Immokalee, Florida. The college provides career and technical education programs and relevant educational experiences using both traditional and distance learning models to ensure employment and career advancement of its students.

Accredited by the National Institute of Metal Workers (NIMS), the Machining Technology degree at iTECH is a program that provides in-depth instruction of equipment and safety regulations as well as hands-on training in machine shops through projects that equip students for future employment. The college boasts its Center for Manufacturing Excellence (CME), a cutting-edge training facility that prepares students for a successful career in the manufacturing field. The program is typically completed in 1.5 years. Go to itech.edu to view the program requirements.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Newbern is part of the seventh largest system of higher education in the nation, the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The first classes held at TCAT Newbern in 1965 were Automotive, Drafting, and Office Occupations.

The Machine Tool Technology degree at TCAT Newbern is designed to train and educate students about the proper set-up and safe operation of machine tools. Students are also expected to learn and estimate the dimensions and tolerances of the machined parts. Apart from the traditional shop machines, the school also has the most modern Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment available in the facility. Visit tcatnewbern.edu for more details about the program.

Established in 1963, Orange Technical College (OTC) - Mid Florida Campus is a technical college situated in Orlando, Florida. The college offers technical college courses specific for the individual’s personal and professional goals, led by industry-trained and highly competitive staff and instructors.

Within 15 months, the Machining Technologies degree offered at OTC Mid Florida Campus can prepare students for employment as machinists, machinist helpers, machine operators, and machine set up operators. Skills such as precision measurement, operating lathes, operating power saws, heat-treating operations, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining tools, and training in Solid Works are also provided in the training. Upon completion, students are eligible to take a certification exam in Solidwork Associate. For more details about admissions, go to orangetechcollege.net.

As part of the Aurora Public Schools and the Colorado Community College System, Pickens Technical College offers more than 50 certificate programs to high school students and adults with the goal to acquire state-of-the-art knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Most of the programs are transferable to community colleges or area technical schools in Colorado.  The technical courses offered at Pickens Technical College help offer unique, marketable skills for students to leverage after course completion.  Learn more about the PTC programs by visiting their admission team today.

Began operating in 1994 as the Technical Education Center of Osceola, Osceola Technical College is a public technical college located in Kissimmee, Florida. It is the first public post-secondary technical college in Osceola County that awards certificates and programs designed to train individuals for employment and enhance the current job skills for professionals.

The CNC Production Specialist degree at Osceola is a program that prepares students for entry into the field of CNC machining. Throughout the program, students explore the knowledge and skills required to succeed as a CNC Production Specialist and these include workplace safety and organization, basic blueprint information, metrology, primary and secondary manufacturing processes, geometric dimension and tolerance, set up and operation of drill presses, CNC control panels, CNC lathe and mill operations, CNC machine systems,  and maintenance and troubleshooting of machines. At the end of the program, students are expected to get a grasp of the profession to gain an entry-level position as Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers or Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators. Explore the program at osceolaschools.net.

South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) is a public technical college based in Americus, Georgia with a satellite campus in Cordele. It is one of the units under the Technical College System of Georgia and it aims to prepare individuals and professionals for employment. Today, it provides numerous accessible and high-quality programs ranging from non-credit programs to associate of applied science degrees.

Offered at the main campus in Americus, the Precision Machining and Manufacturing Diploma program at SGTC provides courses that prepare students for careers in the machine tool technology industry. Throughout the program, students are exposed to different learning opportunities that develop their academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills. Some of the courses in the program are Introduction to Machine Tool, Heat Treatment and Surface Grinding, CNC Fundamentals, and Print Reading for Machine Tool. The curriculum is a combination of machine tool theory and practical application that fully prepares students to enter the workforce. More details are available at southgatech.edu.

Atlantic Technical College (ATC), based in Coconut Creek, Florida, is a public, secondary and post-secondary institution among the 76 Broward County Public Schools. The college first opened its doors in 1973 and is currently offering different academic and technical programs such as Certificate and Applied Technology Diploma.

The full-time Machining Technologies degree offered at ATC involves 14 months of classes and training in developing skills needed to safely operate machines and machine tools. Skills such as use of layout and inspection tools, related trade math, micrometers, and gauges, Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) programming, and set up and performance of advanced level machining operations are also covered in the program. Students with completed requirements are also eligible for credits toward an Associate Degree by Broward College. To get started with your application, visit atlantictechnicalcollege.edu.

Meridian Technology Center is a public two-year technical college located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It serves different parts of Lincoln, Logan, Pawnee, Noble, and Payne counties. Since its founding in 1973 as Indian Meridian Area Vocational-Technical School, Meridian has been offering courses and programs such as short courses, full-time career training programs, online classes, and business solutions that include customized training and entrepreneur services.

The CNC Machinist Training at MTC is a program that teaches students how to transform raw materials into usable parts as well as write programs to create product prototypes. Specifically, students learn how to input codes on machining tools like lathes, multi-axis spindles, and plasma cutters. Some of the courses in the program are Print Reading for Machining, Metal Preparation for Processing, Engine Lathe Operations, Computer Numerical Control Operations, and Introduction to Quality Control. Graduates of the program enter the workforce as Master Machinist, Mechanical Engineer Machinist, Plant Manager, and Plant Engineer. Learn more about the program at meridiantech.edu.

Moraine Park Technical College is located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and offers qualified students a broad array of academic pathways to pursue.  For qualified students, the programs range from technical, work-ready programs to stepping stone courses towards a bachelor’s degree.  Depending on your area of emphasis and timing, it may be ideal to earn a certificate and step directly into work or earn an associate’s degree before moving on to a larger university.  The tool and die technology courses at MPTC help students better understand the technical aspects of the trade in conjunction with hands-on learning opportunities. 

Fox Valley Technical College (Fox Valley Tech) is a 2-year public technical college located in Appleton, Wisconsin. It is also one of the members of the Wisconsin Technical College System that has been serving individuals from the state for over 100 years. Fox Valley Tech offers high-tech occupational training as well as technical programs to aid students in preparing for a new career or sharpening current skills.

The Machine Tool Technician degree at Fox Valley Tech is a technical diploma program taken either at a part-time or full-time basis. Students in the program are taught to set up different machines, operate them, and check the accuracy of the output. The program involves training on shaping metal parts to precise dimensions as well as using a variety of hand and electric tools such as lathes, milling machines, drill presses, saws, and grinders. At the end of the program, students are expected to use precision measuring methods for inspection, perform basic machine tool and equipment set-up and operation, and execute programming, set-up, and operation of various CNC Machine Tools. Access the program curriculum at fvtc.edu.

As a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) is a public community college based in Paducah, Kentucky. It is a product of two institutions namely Paducah Community College and West Kentucky Technical College. WKCTC also has campuses within the state like the Paducah School of Art & Design and Skilled Craft Training Center.

The Computerized Manufacturing and Machining degree at WKCTC has several degrees and certificates that can launch students’ careers in the field by providing the essential knowledge and skills. It has several certificate programs like CNC Operator, Exploratory Machining I, Machine Tool Operator I, and Machine Tool Operator II. There are also offered diploma programs such as CNC Machinist and Machinist. The program equips students with the foundational knowledge in using manual machines as well as utilizing the latest technology in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining. For more information about the program, go to westkentucky.kctcs.edu.

The machine shop technology program at Ranken Technical College leverages the growing employment trend in this sector.  In fact, BLS estimates a 16% growth in this sector in the coming years across all regions in the United States.  The five semester program is designed to help students understand, repair, and maintain factory equipment and various industrial equipment.  The multimedia training modules are paired with hands-on learning opportunities to meld the academic and pragmatic learning modalities.  Learn more about the courses and degrees offered at Ranken Technical College today.

Wabash Valley College (WVC), a member of the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, is a two-year community college offering over 100 transfer, occupational, continuing education, and community service programs since 1960. The college is based in Mount Carmel, Illinois which houses modern facilities that can provide exceptional academic and research opportunities for its students.

At WVC, there are two related programs in machine shop technology namely Advanced Machining and Advanced CNC Programming. The Advanced Machine Shop degree is perfect for students interested in jobs such as general machine operator,  CNC machinist, quality control inspector, and machine operations specialist. The second program, Advanced CNC Programming, is specific for students who want to specialize in computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines. Go to iecc.edu/wvc to know the program suited for you. 

Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) is a public community college with two main campuses in Sandersville and Dublin, Georgia. As part of the Technical College System of Georgia, OFTC opened as a result of merging the Sandersville Technical College with the Heart of Georgia Technical College. It currently provides programs and services like adult basic education, Georgia High School Equivalency preparation and testing, and English Literacy Programs.

There are several programs under the Machine Tool Technology at OFTC where students learn the proper usage of machine tools like lathes, milling machines, and grinders in producing precision metal parts. The Diploma programs under the program are CNC Technology and Precision Machining and Manufacturing while the Technical Certificate of Credit programs are Advanced General Machinist and CNC Specialist. The school also offers an AAS degree in Precision Machining and Manufacturing which prepares students for careers in the field of machine tool technology. Since the curriculum involves the combination of machine tool theory and practical application, students develop various academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills necessary to enter the workforce and advance their careers. Read more about the program at cmt.oftc.edu.

Since 1962, Pinellas Technical College with its two campuses in Clearwater and St. Petersburg has offered students 60 innovative career and technical courses and commercial training services in 40 different career areas. It is also considered a leader in providing career and technical education through distance learning in the state of Florida.

The Machining Technologies degree program offered at Pinellas, accredited by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), equips students with skills necessary for an entry-level opportunity as machine helper, machine operator, machine set-up operator, and machinist. Highly advanced skills are also included in the training such as CNC machine set-up, CAD/CAM processes identification, and milling and grinding operations. Details about admissions can be found at pcsb.org.

Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Western Technical College is an open-enrollment public community college and is part of the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college provides excellence in student learning as well as different essential training the students need to succeed in their chosen field. In each of its programs, the college incorporates integrity, teamwork, and respect as they cater to the specific needs of students of all backgrounds.

The Precision Machining and Programming at Western Technical College is a technical diploma program where students can individualize their learning of various aspects in the machining industry. Students in the program develop the necessary knowledge and skills needed to create precision-machined parts, perform computer-aided drafting (CAD), and use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. The program aims to teach students on applying the basic safety practices in the machine shop and performing basic machine tool equipment set-up and operation that are essential in the manufacturing and industrial industries. Check the program curriculum at westerntc.edu.

The machining and mechatronics programs at Randolph Community College offer a solid foundation for future machinists.  Students will learn the details around the integrated systems, processes and procedures required across industries.  RCC has curated a curriculum that includes math, management, operations management, systems thinking, facility planning, cost planning, manufacturing, and production methods.  The cross-section of these courses help student put together the myriad pieces while learning a valuable, hands-on trade.  Obtain admissions information from the Randolph Community College team today by requesting information about their competitive academic programs.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is a technical college with locations throughout northwestern Georgia. As a member of the Technical College System of Georgia since its founding in 1964, the college has been providing quality technical education through granting degrees, diplomas, and certificates, as well as career development opportunities through continuing education and adult education services.

The Basic Machine Shop certificate program at GNTC is a 10-credit program available at the Floyd and Walker County campuses. The program prepares students for a career as machine tool operators within a machine shop or machine tool facility. The program covers the introduction to machine tool technology, foundations of mathematics, and blueprint reading for machine tool applications which are the essential topics in the basic operations of machine tools. For professionals who want to advance their careers, there are also two diploma programs offered by GNTC namely Precision Machining and Manufacturing and CNC Technology. Access the program requirements at gntc.edu.

University of Arkansas Rich Mountain (UA Rich Mountain), formerly called Rich Mountain Community College, is a comprehensive public community college located in Mena, Arkansas. The university, with off-campus locations at Mount Ida and Waldron, started operating in 1973 as the Rich Mountain Vo-Tech. Today, UA Rich Mountain provides a wide range of educational programs and learning opportunities to individuals within the Ouachita Mountain Region.

At UA Rich Mountain, the AAS degree in Machine Tooling is a program that prepares students for the knowledge and skills required to enter the machining industry. The program is transferable to universities offering a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in the related discipline. The curriculum covers the basics of programming, set-up, and operation of CNC machine tools as well as measuring parts using precision measuring tools in the quality control of machined parts. Graduates of the program also earn a Technical Certificate in Machine Shop and a Certificate of Proficiency in Machine Tool Technology. More details can be found at uarichmountain.edu.