
Machine Tool Operation - CNC
Technical Diploma
32 Credits | 1 Year
Financial Aid-Eligible
Rice Lake
Career Cluster: Manufacturing
This program will be modified for the 2021-2022 academic year pending WTCS approval. Please contact a WITC Admissions Advisor if interested or have questions (link to advisor).
Machining is the foundation of all manufacturing. If you have never heard of machine tool or machining it is an essential part of your life. Any product you own, use or even or touch has either been machined or has been made from a die or mold that has been machined. Machining is mostly done with computer controlled equipment and is the modern replacement to manually operated machine tools used thru the 1950s and '60s. CNC machines cut material, 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 - CNC program is a 9-month technical diploma program designed to provide in-depth study and hands-on skills for the machine tool industry.
Students become proficient in the set up and operation of mills and lathes, as well as manual mills, lathes, drills, and saws. Students write set sheets, build fixtures, program parts, set-up, and machine parts using the students' own processes and CNC programs. They also perform inspection to ensure quality and precision.
Program Outcomes
Machine Tool Operation - CNC 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

As a machinist, you will learn a highly skilled trade that requires precision and attention to detail. You will interpret engineering drawings, apply precision measuring methods for inspection, perform CNC programming with software.

WITC students are in high demand.

Graduates get high starting salaries.

Learn by doing.
Academics
Machine Tool Operation - CNC is offered on the Rice Lake campus, but similar programs are offered at all four of the WITC locations.
Career Pathways
The Machine Tool Operation - CNC program offers one embedded technical diploma in CNC Technician which is 15 of the 32 credits needed for the full diploma.
Experienced Instructors
As a Machine Tool Operation - CNC student at WITC, you will have access to instructors with years of machining experience in a variety of industries.
Current Technology
Being able to program CNC equipment as well as learning programs such as Master Cam will make you an attractive employment candidate for area employers.
Curriculum
Program specific subjects covered include, Machining Fundamentals and Drilling Processes, Machining – Milling Processes, Machining – Surface Grinding Processes, CNC Turning – Basic and Advanced Operation and Programming, Print Reading for Machine Trades, Intro to CAD/CAM, CAD/CAM Application, CNC Milling – Basic & Advanced Operation and Programming.
Featured Machine Tool Operation - CNC Courses
Machine Tool Operation - CNC is Part of a Career Pathway
As a Machine Tool Operation - CNC student at WITC, you can earn credentials each step of the way.
This technical diploma is embedded in the Machine Tool Operation - CNC.
CNC Technician
This is the program you’re looking at.
Continue your education to obtain your bachelor's degree.
Machine Tool Operation - CNC Transfer Options
Admissions and Tuition
WITC has a simple admission process that can be completed in one visit. To start the process, simply fill out an application form along with a $30 application fee. After you’ve successfully submitted your application, your next step is to schedule an admissions meeting with a WITC counselor to discuss your goals and expectations. That’s it!
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 2020-21*
Machine Tool Operation - CNC
35 Credits | 1 Year
$5,892
$2,150 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 - CNC Program
Upon completion of the program, you will obtain technical diplomas in CNC Technician and Machine Tool Operation - CNC.

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.
