Program Overview

Machinist Apprenticeship

Program Overview

Work Description

Machinists are skilled workers who can transform a block of metal into an intricate part, such as a gear or piston, that meets precise specification. They set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Many machines are computer numerically controlled (CNC), which means the machinist uses computers to direct the machine’s operation.

Working Conditions

Most machine shops are well lighted and ventilated. Machinists wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses to shield against bits of flying metal and earplugs to protect against machinery noise. They may stand most of the day and may lift moderately heavy work pieces.

Training

• 4-year training program
• 8,320 hours of on-the-job training
• 432 hours of paid related instruction

Apprentices will learn the theory and skills to operate all the basic machinery found in a well-equipped machine shop, including lathes, drilling machines, metal cutting saws, vertical and horizontal milling machines, and surface and cylindrical grinders.

Program Details

Machinist Apprenticeship classes are offered at Madison College's Truax Campus.

Curriculum and Experience

First Semester

• Mathematics for the Machine Trades (1.25 credit)
• Cut-Off Machines for Machine Trades Apprentices (0.25 credit)
• Metallurgy & Materials for Machine Trades Apprentices (0.5 credits)

Second Semester

• Precision Measurement for Machine Tool Trade Apprentices (1 credit)
• Engineering Drawings for Machine Tool Trades Apprentices (1 credit)

Third Semester

• Turning Machines for Machine Trades Apprentices (1 credit)
• Milling Machines for Machine Trades Apprentices (1 credit)

Fourth Semester

• Grinding Machines for Machine Trades Apprentices (0.5 credits)
• CAD/CAM for Machine Trades (1.5 credits)

Fifth Semester

• Jig and Fixture Design for Machine Trades Apprentices (0.5 credits)
• Geometric Design and Tolerancing for Machine Trades Apprentices (0.5 credits)
• CNC Programming and Operations 1 for Machine Trades Apprentices (1 credit)

Sixth Semester

• CNC Programming and Operations 2 for Machine Tool Trades Apprentices (2 credits)

Admission

How to Apply

Machinist apprenticeships applicants must find an apprenticeship with a sponsoring employer on his or her own (similar to looking for a job). Once the applicant has found a position, the employer starts the apprenticeship registration process by contacting a Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS) Representative for their county.

Application Requirements

• Entry requirements vary by employer
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Applicants apply directly to participating employers

Career Outcomes

Madison College Machinist Apprenticeship graduates are prepared to do the following:

• Blueprint Reading – Understand and interpret the types of lines used on shop drawings and part prints; apply tolerances and symbols; identify threads, tapers, and machined surfaces; and develop good sketching techniques.
• Bench Work – Identify mechanical hardware and hand tools, precision measuring instruments, part layout, threading with taps and dies, files, and hand and power saws, and practice general shop safety
• Engine Lathe Operation – Basic lathe construction; single point tool geometry; high-speed and carbide tool applications; lathe operations, including, turning, facing, grooving, boring, drilling, reaming, threading, taper turning, knurling and cut-off; and safety
• Tool-Room Milling Machine Operation – Vertical mill construction and operation, end milling, side milling, key ways, boring and counter-boring, drilling and reaming, and safety
• Surface and Cylindrical Grinding – Basic construction and operation, wheel selection, work-holding methods and grinder safety
• Metallurgy – Properties and applications of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• Mathematics – Fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, cutting speeds and feeds, basic algebra, geometry and trigonometry
• Jig and Fixture Design – Describe the basic functions of jigs and fixtures, explain the difference between locators and supports, select appropriate clamping mechanisms
• Computer Assisted Manufacturing (CAM) – Utilize CAM programs such as Feature-Cam to produce tool-paths for Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) lathes and milling machines.
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC) – Set up and operate CNC lathes and milling machines using Computer Assisted Manufacturing tool-paths.
• Electrical Discharge Machines (EDM) – Describe the principles of EDM operation, compare electrode materials, discuss electrode machining methods, determine flushing requirements, and relate spark frequency to surface finish and metal removal rates.

Graduate Summary

• Number of Program Graduates: 5 (2022), 3 (2024)
• Number of Surveys Sent: Not available
• Number of Surveys Returned: Not available
• Percent of Surveys Returned: Not available
• Available for Employment: 0 (2022), 0 (2024)
• Percent Available for Employment: Not available
• Not in Labor Market: Not available
• Percent Not in Labor Market: Not available

Related Programs

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