gcc career center

 


career profiles

MACHINE AND MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Career Summary

Machinists and manufacturing technicians are involved in the design and production of a machined product.  They craft precision parts from various materials using machine tools, following specific dimensions given on blueprints, sketches, or specifications. They make or repair precision pieces, tools and machines, operate basic metalworking power tools, and programs, set up and operate Numerical Control and Computerized Numerical Control machines to produce metal and plastic devices such as gauges, jigs, and fixtures. The operation of machinery such as lathes, mills grinders, drills, drill presses, precision hand tools, and optical and electronic devices is common and therefore understanding machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics to handle a metalworking project from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing is essential. Increasingly, machinists are required to write or use existing computer programs, and a growing number of firms have computer-aided design (CAD) systems.  They may work with dyes used to stamp and forge metal, precision surface and cylindrical grinders.  Specialists make metal stamping dies, casting molds, jogs, and fixtures.  Workers may be exposed to risk of injury from high speed cutting tools, or metal chips therefore safety devices are recommended.

Program Description

Programs in metalworking are designed to prepare people to plan, make, assemble, test and repair parts and structures in which metals are used. Training includes how metals are cast, shaped, molded, heat treated, cut, pressed fused, stamped, machined or otherwise worked on.  Metalworking programs prepare people for occupations in metal fabrication, sheet metal work, tool and die making, welding, and other machine shop or precision metal work.  Many of these skills can be learned in apprenticeship programs.  Community colleges and trade schools offer short programs from ten weeks to two year associate degree programs. GCC offers the  Machine and Manufacturing Technology - Machinist certificate which will satisfy the major requirement for the Associate in Science degree. This program expands students’ knowledge and proficiency in the use of computer aided manufacturing. Classroom and laboratory classes allow students to learn about the operation of numerical control computerized aided manufacturing (CAM) programming, and involves hands-on practical experience.  The technician program includes advanced study of robotic automation and related technologies. Students may be required to purchase tools.

Skills and Characteristics

bullet

Work quickly and accurately according to set standards and procedure

bullet

Ability to inspect, and evaluate the quality of products

bullet

Conduct test to determine proper operation of equipment, software, or procedures

bullet

Learn, understand and follow complex directions and make decisions using facts/tests.

bullet

Use eye-hand coordination, use hands and fingers, move from one task to another

bullet

Mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and visual acuity.

Related Career Titles

Tool and Die Makers * Sheet Metal Workers * Numerical Control Machine Operators * Industrial Mechanics * Engineering Technicians * Industrial Mechanics * Molders

Please visit the GCC Career Center to research specific occupational information and learn more about your selected career path.