Machinists are highly skilled individuals who use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines and machining centers, to produce precision machined parts.

Precision Machinists produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. They use their knowledge of the working properties of materials and their skill with machine tools to plan and carry out the operation needed to make a variety of products that meet precise specifications.

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Terms of Apprenticeship

  • 4-year training program
  • 7,888 hours on-the-job training
  • 432 hours paid related instruction
  • Apprentice must complete the Transition-To-Trainer Course in final year of apprenticeship

Get Started

2024–25 Curriculum

First Term (72 Hours)

PRECISION MEASUREMENT FOR THE MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICES 36 Hours

#50-420-713

This course is designed to acquaint the apprentice with the measurement systems and tools most frequently used in layout and machining processes. Learning outcomes relate to semi-precision through super-precision measuring tools and equipment combined with opportunities to investigate new technologies.

ENGINEERING DRAWINGS FOR THE MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICESHIPS 36 Hours

#50-420-714

This course will acquaint the apprentice with the interpretation of engineering prints and other technical and manufacturing documentation. The primary focus of the course will be on that part of manufacturing most closely related to machining and tools. Background information is provided relative to the process used to create and finish the product or piece part on the prints being studied. This course was formerly module 4 in related instruction.

Second Term (72 Hours)

SAFETY FOR MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICES 9 Hours

#50-420-710

Course competencies examine safe work practices for machinists, tool and die makers and related trades. Apprentices will explore industrial safety standards; personal protective equipment; machine guards and protective devices; MSDS and chemical safety; electrical hazards, and more. Course relates 5S concepts to safe work practices and trade work processes.

MATHEMATICS FOR THE MACHINE TRADES 36 Hours

#50-420-711

This course provides applied mathematics instruction from a review of basic arithmetic; basic algebra; applications, based on geometry; right triangle trigonometry, oblique angle trigonometry and compound angles.

MILLING MACHINES FOR MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICE 18 Hours

#50-420-717

This course related instruction on the basic principles of vertical and horizontal milling machines for the machine tool apprentice. Instruction includes safety, basic parts and functions of the machines, work holding devices, tooling requirements, and feeds and speeds.

CUT-OFF MACHINES FOR MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICE 9 Hours

#50-420-720

This course will acquaint the apprentice with the basic types of cutoff machines used in industry, cutoff machine applications, cutoff machine tooling, and cutoff machine safety.

Third Term (72 Hours)

MECHANICAL HARDWARE & HAND TOOLS FOR THE MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICES 36 Hours

#50-420-715

This course provides instruction for the apprentice in recognition, selection, and operation of mechanical hardware and hand tools. Apprentices are taught to use outside sources to select correct component or tool sizes, characteristics, and operating parameters. Apprentices will sharpen drills and single point cutting tools.

METALLURGY & MATERIALS FOR MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICESHIP 36 Hours

#50-420-721

This course provides the opportunity for the apprentice to develop the knowledge, skills, process, and understanding of hardness testing, carbons and low alloy steel, tool steels, stainless steels, cast iron, aluminum and aluminum alloys, die cast alloys, copper and copper alloys, plastics, heat treating and nondestructive testing.

Fourth Term (72 Hours)

TURNING MACHINES FOR MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICE 18 Hours

#50-420-716

This course will acquaint the apprentice with the terminology, methods, and operations for turning machines used in the metal-working industry. Apprentices will learn to perform calculations needed to operate turning machines including speed and feed calculations. Apprentices will make calculations necessary to setup a turning machine for screw threads and taper operations.

DRILLING MACHINES FOR MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICE 18 Hours

#50-420-718

This course focuses on the terminology, construction and operations of drilling machines in the metal- working industry. Be aware that in-depth information regarding cutting tools, hardware and hand tools will be addressed in their own courses. Efforts should be made to reference information found in other courses in order to assist the apprentice in the application and assimilation of information.

GRINDING MACHINES FOR MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICE 18 Hours

#50-420-719

This course focuses on the terminology, construction and operations of grinding machines in the metal- working industry. Be aware that in-depth information regarding cutting tools, hardware and hand tools will be addressed in their own courses. Efforts should be made to reference information found in other courses in order to assist the apprentice in the application and assimilation of information. This course instructs apprentices in the use of traditional grinding machines and the attachments and accessories frequently encountered in manufacturing operations that use common grinding processes.

MACHINE TOOL APPRENTICESHIP GREENING COMPETENCIES - SAGE PROJECT 18 Hours

#50-420-732

Identify recyclable material, in both the solid and liquid form, and understand why these materials need to be recycled and how to properly recycle these materials. Demonstrate the understanding of the information found on SDS documentation and the concept behind the 5’s system. Learner will also demonstrate the ability to plan out a job in an efficient and cost effective manner.

Fifth Term (72 Hours)

BASIC CAD/CAM FOR MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICE 36 Hours

#50-420-725

This course is designed to provide the apprentice with the concepts and techniques used in computer- aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) as part of their related instruction.

JIG AND FIXTURE DESIGN FOR MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICE 18 Hours

#50-420-726

This course introduces the apprentice to the concepts of jig and fixture design as part of their apprenticeship related instruction. Topics include the basic elements of tool design, jig and fixture application, and the actual design of tooling.

GEOMETRIC DESIGN AND TOLERANCING FOR MACHINE TRADES APPRENTICE 18 Hours

#50-420-727

This course will acquaint the apprentice with the skills to interpret the geometric dimensions and tolerances found on engineering drawings and in other industrial documents. Instruction concentrates on interpreting symbols, identifying tolerance zones and determining ways to check parts for conformity to the specified geometric controls. Reference is made to ASME Y14.5M - 1994.

Sixth Term (72 Hours)

CNC PROGRAMMING AND PLANNING FOR MACHINE TRADE APPRENTICE 36 Hours

#50-420-724

This course is a classroom introduction to CNC programming for apprentices, with a focus on CNC turning and milling centers. Apprentices will create setup sheets, develop tool lists, calculate speeds and feeds, assign tool offsets and write CNC programs.

CNC OPERATIONS FOR MACHINE TOOL TRADES APPRENTICE 36 Hours

#50-420-733

Apprentices will examine CNC related operations and safety. Course competencies include classifying types of equipment, comparing CNC tooling, setup, and work holding operations. Additional CNC programming skill development is included in the course. CNC controls and communications are explored as well.

Get Started

You must be employed by a company/organization that is willing to participate in an apprenticeship program. Each employer has their own requirements for entry into the apprenticeship program. Contact your employer’s human resources department to see what is available.

Questions?

If you have questions about this apprenticeship or the application process, please contact our Admissions team.