Basic Machining

Program Overview

Basic Machining

Program Overview

Forge your career in machining and metalworking in this one semester program.

Program Number: Your Degree: Technical Diploma Area of Study: Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance Delivery Method: 100% In Person Estimated Time to Complete: 15 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 semester

Program Details

• Students in Madison College's Basic Machining program can attend full or part-time.
• Basic Machining classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.

Careers

Basic Machining graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of Basic Machining, including:

• Machine Operator
• Repair/Precision Machinist

Curriculum and Experience

Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the academic year.

Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

• Progress toward your specific requirements
• Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

Courses

• Interpreting Engineering Drawings (2 credits)
• Machine Tool 1 (4 credits)
• Machine Tool 2 (5 credits)
• Elements of Basic Metrology (2 credits)
• Math for the Machine Trades (2 credits)

Admission

To Apply

Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities.

Application Dates

• Fall 2025
  • Application open
  • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025
• Spring 2026
  • Application open
  • Application completion deadline is January 15, 2026

Admission Requirements

All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

1. Admission Application The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
   • High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
   • GED/HSED completion
   • College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
     • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
     • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
       • The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
       • Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
       • Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript

All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

Additional Notes

• Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
• Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.

Career Outcomes

After completing the Basic Machining program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:

• 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

Graduate Summary

• Number of Program Graduates: 9 (2023), 8 (2024)
• Number of Surveys Sent: 8 (2023), 8 (2024)
• Number of Surveys Returned: 8 (2023), 7 (2024)
• Percent of Surveys Returned: 100% (2023), 87.5% (2024)
• Available for Employment: 1 (2023), 2 (2024)
• Percent Available for Employment: 12.5% (2023), 28.6% (2024)
• Not in Labor Market: 7 (2023), 5 (2024)
• Percent Not in Labor Market: 87.5% (2023), 71.4% (2024)

Graduate Employers

• Plastic Ingenuity Inc: Machinist/Moldmaker (Cross Plains, WI)

Related Programs

• Machine Tooling Technics
• Machine Tool Operation
• CNC Setup Technician
• Machinist Apprenticeship
• Tool & Die Apprenticeship

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Overview: Forge a career in machining and metalworking in this one-semester program.
• Objectives:
• Acquire skills in basic machining, such as milling, manual lathe, and drill presses.
• Learn blueprint reading, measurement, quality control, precision, and repair machining.
• Gain knowledge and skills to build and inspect machined parts.
• Obtain hands-on training in a high-tech work environment.
• Develop problem-solving, teamwork, math, communication, and computer skills.
• Prepare for employment in the machining and metalworking industries.
• Build skills to become a skilled craftsman.

Outline:

Courses:

• 10-606-200 Interpreting Engineering Drawings (2 credits)
• 32-420-322 Machine Tool 1 (4 credits)
• 32-420-323 Machine Tool 2 (5 credits)
• 32-420-351 Elements of Basic Metrology (2 credits)
• 32-420-711 Math for the Machine Trades (2 credits)

Additional Information:

• Students can attend full or part-time.

Careers:

• Machine Operator
• Repair/Precision Machinist