Precision Machining & Programming

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Technical Diploma

Program Number:

314441

Credits:

28.00

Financial Aid Eligible

Typical Start:

Fall, Spring, Summer

Combine your mechanical aptitude and attention to detail with computer-based design. As a machine tool operator, you will create precision-machined parts that are used in industrial applications from aerospace to consumer product manufacturing. You’ll develop hands-on skills in computer aided drafting (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software, and the machining equipment it controls. You’ll be involved in every phase of part production, working from blueprints and CAD drawings, programming the equipment, machining the parts to exact specifications, and inspecting them to tolerances of 1/30th the diameter of a hair using precision instruments. Skilled machinists are in great demand for specialized tool-making operations and most types of manufacturing. Opportunities for career advancement grow with your experience.

Starting in Fall 2021, this program will be offered using a Competency-Based Education (CBE) format where learning takes place at an individualized pace. CBE measures skills and learning as you progress through the coursework by demonstrating your mastery over each specific skill. This approach often accelerates progress, allowing you to get your degree faster!

Explore Courses

Print Program Overview

Estimated Program Costs

Graduation Employment Stats

Career Opportunities

CNC Machine Operator

CNC Machinist

Manual Machinist

Injection Molding Technician

Machine Tool Operator

Tool and Die Maker

Program Outcomes

Living responsibly
Refining professionalism
Cultivating passion

Apply basic safety practices in the machine shop
Interpret industrial/engineering drawings
Apply precision measuring methods to part inspection
Perform basic machine tool equipment set-up and operation
Perform programming, set-up and operation of CNC Machine Tools

Admission Requirements

College Requirements

Application

$30 Application Fee

High School transcript or GED/HSED

Program Requirements

Western Technical College uses ACCUPLACER, a computer-based, online assessment that measures your abilities in writing/sentence skills, reading comprehension, and arithmetic. This information will be used to place you in courses that best fit your academic goals. Based on your scores, you may need to take additional general studies course(s) along with the general studies courses required for your program.

Several options for waiving the ACCUPLACER test are available; view the exemptions here.

Learn more about placement tests and how they are used at Western: Placement Testing.

Software and Technology

This program requires specific software and technology to complete classwork. Click here to see the list of items you will need for your courses.

If you do not have access to the items listed for your program, or if the items you have do not meet the requirements, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Internet access is required to access student accounts from off campus. The Learning Commons can provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu or call 608-785-9198.

For additional specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Career Pathways

This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.