Machine Tool Operation
Technical Diploma
33 Credits | 1 Year
Financial Aid-Eligible
Ashland
Career Cluster: Manufacturing
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Machining is the foundation of manufacturing. If you have never heard of it, machining is an essential part of your life. Any product you own or touch has either been machined or has been made from a die or mold that has been machined. Machining is mostly computer controlled and is the modern replacement to manual machining. These machines cut materials, everything from metal to plastic, to make parts, molds, for the manufacturing industry. People who become machinists are well paid and in high demand.
Program Overview
Machine Tool Operation is a nine-month technical diploma program designed to provide in-depth study and hands-on skills in the machine processing of a variety of metals.
You will become proficient in the set up and operation of manual mills, lathes, grinders, drills and saws as you complete increasingly complex projects while holding tight tolerances. Various pieces of precision measuring equipment are used to check quality. Additional work in blueprint reading, heat-treating and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining is required to complete the Machine Tool Operation program.
Program Outcomes
Machine Tool Operation graduates 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
- Perform programming, set up, and operation of CNC machine tools
Students who complete the Machine Tool Operation program are in high demand. At WITC, students often have jobs prior to graduation. Anywhere you go there is a machining career waiting for you. WITC graduates start out on the job making approximately $18.00 an hour. After training and time on the job that wage increases quickly.
High demand.
High pay.
Highly skilled.
Academics
Machine Tool Operation is offered on the Ashland campus, but similar programs are offered at all four of the WITC locations
Experienced Instructors
As a Machine Tool Operation student at WITC, you will have access to instructors with years of machining experience in a variety of industries.
Career Pathways
The Machine Tool Operation program is a pathway option into the Machine Tool Technician technical diploma offered in Superior.
Current Technology
Being able to program CNC equipment as well as learning programs such as SolidWorks and Master Cam will make you an attractive employment candidate for area employers.
Curriculum
Program specific subjects covered include, Machine Tool Operation 1-4, Machine Tool Theory 1 & 2, Introduction to CAD/CAM, CNC Fundamentals, Print Reading for the Machine Trades
Featured Machine Tool Operation Courses
Machine Tool Operation is Part of a Career Pathway
As a Machine Tool Operation student at WITC, you can earn credentials each step of the way.
This is the program you’re looking at.
Continue your education to obtain the two-year technical diploma.
Continue your education to obtain your bachelor's degree.
Machine Tool Technician Bachelor's Degree
Admissions and Tuition
WITC has a simple three-step admissions process that can be completed in one visit. Fill out the application form either online or at a campus, complete an assessment and meet with a WITC counselor. In the meeting, you'll discuss your goals and the counselor will make sure you're getting the most out of your education and the best bang for your buck.
Tuition and Fees
WITC breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits and scholarships.
Estimated Total Program Costs*
Machine Tool Operation
33 Credits | 1 Year
$5,492
$778 for books (including tax)
$1,575 for tools, supplies and uniforms
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the WITC Machine Tool Operation Program
Upon completion of the program, you will obtain a Machine Tool Operation technical diploma.
Transfer Options
Transfer your WITC credits to a four-year college in Wisconsin to obtain your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
WITC's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Gainful Employment
Established by the U.S. Department of Education, Gainful Employment is available to help you make an informed decision about which career to pursue. This required information shows data about how WITC's technical diploma programs that receive federal financial aid lead to gainful employment in recognized careers.
Set up a program tour
Meet instructors, talk to current students and explore the campus.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about WITC's programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
