Technical Diploma - Machine Tool - CNC Technician (324441)

As a computer numerical control technician/programmer operator, students play an important role in today's modern manufacturing environments. They set up and operate computer numerical controlled machine tools, working from blueprints and set-up sheets. Students set up fixturing and tooling, produce and inspect parts, and edit CNC programs on CNC lathes and machining centers. As a graduate of the Machine Tool-CNC Technician program, students are also prepared for a career as a jig and fixture apprentice/trainee, or a manufacturing engineering technician. With additional education and/or work experience, they may become a journey level machinist, pattern maker, mold maker, tool and die maker, CNC programmer, or machine shop foreperson/supervisor.

A graduate of the program will have the potential for employment in the following areas: • Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Technician/ Programmer Operator: sets up and operates computer numerical controlled machine tools working from blueprints and set-up sheets; sets up fixturing and tooling; produces and inspects parts; and edits CNC programs on CNC lathes and machining centers. • Jig and Fixture Apprentice/Trainee: lays out, fits, and assembles parts to make and repair cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, or machinist’s hand tools by analyzing specifications. • Machinist Apprentice/Trainee: sets up and operates a variety of machine tools; and fits and assembles parts to fabricate or repair machine tools and to maintain industrial machines. • Manufacturing Engineering Technician: supports production in a CNC machining environment.

Program Outcomes: • 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. • Perform advanced CNC machining operations.