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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The Sarasota County Technical Institute is located in Florida and offers an affordable education. The school first opened in 1967 with about 500 students. At that time, the school offered 13 programs. Now, the school has 75 acres and offers 39 programs in Automotive & Marine Technologies, Business Technologies, Child Care Careers, Drafting, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice Academy, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Science Academy, Health Science, HVAC, Veterinary Assisting, Precision Machining, and Restaurant & Food Services. The cost of full-time technical programs runs from $3,000 to $5,600.

The institute offers outstanding services. On campus, you will find a cafeteria, media center, test center, and student organizations. Child care is available as well.

At Sarasota County Technical Institute financial aid is available. Last year alone, over $613,500 in scholarships and grants were awarded to SCTI students. Not to mention that the institute has been accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Florida residents can take the GED course offered for just $45. This course helps individuals prepare for the GED examination. Anyone who completes the examination will be given a State of Florida High School Diploma. The course will cover Mathematics, Language Arts/Reading, Language Arts/Writing, Social Studies, and Science.

English for Speakers of other Languages classes are offered at an affordable price. The course covers conversation, grammar, workforce readiness, computer operations, citizenship preparation.

Most programs will allow students to earn college credits at universities in Florida.

Auburn Career Center is located in Painesville, Ohio and serves the local community admirably with the necessary skills needed to boost and even add strength to students’ resumes. Due to the quickly growing, stiff global competition in terms of job opportunities, Auburn Career Center has become a help to all those who attend. All potential students have to do is use the click of a mouse online and send in an application for the trainings it offers.  The center takes the needs of both adults and high school students into account. This school provides wonderful opportunities for young students to make the right decisions and open themselves up to fulfilling careers.

High school students in this case can take on such preparatory courses such as Allied Health, Automotive Repair, Cosmetology, and Culinary Arts to name a few. However, the majority of the courses offered are for the adults who can, in most cases, take their courses online. The adult students are usually advised to seek for career guidance and training services so as to make right choices regarding their career paths. The institute also has professional staff who can offer training services to those employees who are working onsite or who are available at the center.

Pomona Unified School District Adult and Career Education (Pomona Adult School) provides a learning program that is tailored to the needs of the people in the community, including families, individuals, the adults looking to learn a new trade. They want to prepare adults for employment so that they can be a successful part of the community.

There are various locations dotted around Pomona in various centers and schools. You simply choose the one that is easiest for you to get to and you can study virtually anywhere in Pomona.

They provide adults with a range of different skills including English as a second language, medical assistant, GED, cosmetology and more. The fees vary from $1000 to $3000 for a long course. For short courses (60 hours or less) the fee ranges from $60 - $100.)

There are various employment opportunities for graduates and these include things like retails services, beauty salon, factory or warehouse work, janitorial work and more. Pomona Adult School will provide you with the necessary skills to help you find a job when you finish the course.

There are a range of student services to help you when you enrol in vocational classes and this includes things like job training, retraining, job readiness, and life skills.

Pomona Adult School is in partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Education and provides students a range of courses, supportive services and also paid work experience.

Cabell County Career Technology Center (CCCTC) is located in Huntington, West Virginia offers both day and evening programs.

Programs:

• Advanced HVAC Tech
  840 hours - both day and evening programs
• Graphic Design
  1080 hours with two attendance options—2 or 4 semesters
• HVAC Technician
  1200 hours – both day and evening programs
• Interior Design
  1080 hours with two attendance options—10 Months or 20 Months (65 Credit Hours for A.A.S. Degree)
• LPN (School of Practical Nursing)
  1300 hours—1 year program
• Machine Trades
  1200 hours
• Medical Office Assistant
  900 hours (prerequisite: HS graduate or GED)
• Auto Specialization

1200 hours—evening courses

• Industrial Electric I & II
  1300 hours, Two Year Course (650 hours each year)—both day and evening courses available
• Building Technology
• Law and Public Safety

CCCTC offers adult basic education and GED testing. There is no charge for adult basic education and all textbooks and supplies are furnished. These courses are open to adults 18 years or older, and are also open to residents outside of Cabell County.

An English as a second language program is open to all adults who are interested in improving their English. They also offer preparation for the TOEFL, foreign student’s college entrance test, ACT, SAT, and GRE classes.

Download the Application for Admissions (http://ccctc.cabe.tec.wv.us/Admissions.pdf)

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.

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.

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.