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Precision Machining & Programming

  • Technical Diploma
Precision Machining & Programming image

Program Number: 

314441

Program Credits: 

28.00

Estimated Total Cost: 

$5,300.00

Typical Start: 

Fall, Spring, Summer
Financial Aid Eligible

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 [1] 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!

Precision Machining & Programming 2019-2020 Graduation Employment Stats

Graduates7
Graduates Responding3
Employed in Related Occupation2
Employed in Non-related Occupations0
Seeking Employment0
Continuing Education1
Not in Labor Market1

Salary Data - Related Employment

Part TimeFull Time
Responding02
Average Hours Per Week
Median Hourly Wage
Hourly Wage Range
Median Annual Salary

Respondents in Related Occupations

No occupations reported.

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: 

Yes

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

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 [2].

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 [3].

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 [4] or call 608-785-9198.

For additional specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [5] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Career Pathways: 

Precision Machining & Programming

Prior Learning: 

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more [6] about what may apply to this program.

Certificates: 

CNC Operator

Technical Diploma: 

Precision Machining & Programming
Basic Machining

Courses

The following list is not the official course list for this program. It is intended to give students an idea of what coursework will be required.

Current students should use the MyWestern [7] self-service portal when registering for class.

First Term

Blueprint Reading
Course Number: 10420204
Credits: 1.00
CNC Production Operator
Course Number: 10444212
Credits: 1.00
Fundamentals of Machining
Course Number: 10420201
Credits: 1.00
Machining Employment Prep
Course Number: 10420202
Credits: 1.00
Measurement and Inspection
Course Number: 10420203
Credits: 1.00
Milling Operations 1
Course Number: 10420205
Credits: 1.00
Milling Operations 2
Course Number: 10420206
Credits: 1.00
Milling Operations 3
Course Number: 10420207
Credits: 1.00
Surface Grinding
Course Number: 10420211
Credits: 1.00
Turning Operations 1
Course Number: 10420208
Credits: 1.00
Turning Operations 2
Course Number: 10420209
Credits: 1.00
Turning Operations 3
Course Number: 10420210
Credits: 1.00

Second Term

Additive Manufacturing
Course Number: 10606220
Credits: 1.00
GD&T in Machining
Course Number: 10420219
Credits: 1.00
Machine Setup 1 for CNC Milling
Course Number: 10444213
Credits: 1.00
Machine Setup 1 for CNC Turning
Course Number: 10444215
Credits: 1.00
Machine Setup 2 for CNC Milling
Course Number: 10444214
Credits: 1.00
Machine Setup 2 for CNC Turning
Course Number: 10444216
Credits: 1.00
Programming for CNC Milling
Course Number: 10444223
Credits: 1.00
Programming for CNC Turning
Course Number: 10444221
Credits: 1.00
Programming in CAM for CNC Milling
Course Number: 10444224
Credits: 1.00
Programming in CAM for CNC Turning
Course Number: 10444222
Credits: 1.00
Solid Model Use in Manufacturing 1
Course Number: 10606217
Credits: 1.00
Solid Model Use in Manufacturing 2
Course Number: 10606218
Credits: 1.00

Third Term

Machining Professional Portfolio
Course Number: 10420225
Credits: 1.00
Precision Machining Capstone - Milling
Course Number: 10420227
Credits: 1.00
Precision Machining Capstone - Turning
Course Number: 10420226
Credits: 1.00
Principles of Lean Manufacturing
Course Number: 10623228
Credits: 1.00

Western Technical College
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, Wisconsin
54601

608-785-9200
800-322-9982


Links
[1] https://www.westerntc.edu/cbe
[2] https://www.westerntc.edu/sites/default/files/programs/documents/Technology_Requirements.pdf
[3] https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DniDXv9HckGZ5BpZ1xtAINzEPDqm29RGnADqdoibRwxUM0ZIV0tLRE1OS0NaOTY5U01aOFNVNDdVUS4u
[4] mailto:LearningCommons@westerntc.edu
[5] https://kb.westerntc.edu/112380
[6] https://www.westerntc.edu/credit-prior-learning
[7] https://mywestern.westerntc.edu/