Machinist Technology
You’ve seen it on American Chopper and Monster Garage. Some guy is using that rig to carve out a wicked aluminum wheel he designed in the computer. Well, that guy’s machining, and it might be just the career you’re looking for.
Machining is defined as any operation that changes the shape, surface finish, or mechanical properties of a material by the application of special tools and equipment. Machining is almost always a process where a cutting tool removes material to effect the desired change in the work piece.
The Machine Technology program at MCC provides you with the entry-level skills you need to develop new products with input from engineering sketches and drawings. Our program will give you a broad range of competencies, including machining skills, electro-mechanical assembly, and product test and prove-out knowledge.
The Machine Technology program is based on hands-on experience and training on various machine shop machines and their accessories, combined with a suitable amount of related classroom material. Students who complete the program will have the basic machining skills needed to work well in a product development environment or a custom, low volume production environment.
Quick Stats
- Example Titles
- Airplane Assembler
- Millwright
- Boilermaker
- Machinist
- Metal and Plastic Processing Worker
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Types of Employers
- Machine Shops
- Metalworking Machinery Manufacturers
- Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturers
- Metal Forging and Stamping Manufacturers
- Plastic Product Manufacturing
Career Profile
Experienced machinists who receive on-the-job training or take classes may become CNC programmers. Some machinists are promoted to supervisor or manager jobs while others may open their own shops.
Machinists:
- Work with lathes, drill presses, milling machines, and more
- Make precision metal parts
- May do computer numerically controlled (CNC) programming
- Are highly skilled production workers
- Use many types of tools and measuring instruments
- May use computer-aided design (CAD)
Available Associate Degrees and Certificates
| Degree / Certificate | Title | Required Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Associate in Applied Science (AAS) | Machining and Product Development | Required Courses |
| Certificate of Completion (CCL) | CAD/CAM/CNC I | Required Courses |
| Certificate of Completion (CCL) | CAD/CAM/CNC II | Required Courses |
| Certificate of Completion (CCL) | Machining I | Required Courses |
| Certificate of Completion (CCL) | Machining II | Required Courses |
Meet with an Advisor
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to contact the career coach in Machinist Technology, Valerie Hill. Schedule an appointment by email at valerie.hill@mcmail.maricopa.edu or by phone at 480-461-7309. Together you’ll lay out a program or career path that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success, so don’t skip it, okay?
