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Did you know?*
- Machinists learn in apprenticeship programs, informally on the job, in vocational high schools, and in community or technical colleges.
- Many entrants previously have worked as machine setters, operators, or tenders.
- Although overall employment is projected to decline, job opportunities are expected to be good due to retirements occurring in the skilled workforce.
* Information retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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.
Along with operating machines that use cutting tools to shape work pieces, Machinists also utilize machines that cut with lasers, water jets, or electrified wires. While some of the computer controls may be similar, Machinists must understand the unique cutting properties of these different machines. As engineers create new types of machine tools and new materials to machine, Machinists must constantly learn new machining properties and techniques.
Before they machine a part, machinists must carefully plan and prepare the operation. These workers first review electronic or written blueprints or specifications for a job. Next, they calculate where to cut or bore into the workpiece (the piece of steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, silicon or any other material that is being shaped), how fast to feed the workpiece into the machine, and how much material to remove. They then select tools and materials for the job, plan the sequence of cutting and finishing operations, and mark the workpiece to show where cuts should be made.
After this layout work is completed, machinists perform the necessary machining operations. They position the workpiece on the machine tool�drill press, lathe, milling machine, or other type of machine�set the controls, and make the cuts. During the machining process, they must constantly monitor the feed rate and speed of the machine. Machinists also ensure that the workpiece is being properly lubricated and cooled, because the machining of metal products generates a significant amount of heat. The temperature of the workpiece is a key concern because most metals expand when heated; machinists must adjust the size of their cuts relative to the temperature. Some rare but increasingly popular metals, such as titanium, are machined at extremely high temperatures.
Machinists detect some problems by listening for specific sounds�for example, a dull cutting tool or excessive vibration. Dull cutting tools are removed and replaced. Cutting speeds are adjusted to compensate for harmonic vibrations, which can decrease the accuracy of cuts, particularly on newer high-speed spindles and lathes. After the work is completed, machinists use both simple and highly sophisticated measuring tools to check the accuracy of their work against blueprints.
Many modern machine tools are computer numerically controlled (CNC). CNC machines, following a computer program, control the cutting tool speed, change dull tools, and perform all of the necessary cuts to create a part. Frequently, machinists work with computer control programmers to determine how the automated equipment will cut a part. The programmer may determine the path of the cut, while the machinist determines the type of cutting tool, the speed of the cutting tool, and the feed rate.
Because most machinists train in CNC programming, they may write basic programs themselves and often set offsets (modify programs) in response to problems encountered during test runs. After the production process is designed, relatively simple and repetitive operations normally are performed by machine setters, operators, and tenders.
Some manufacturing techniques employ automated parts loaders, automatic tool changers, and computer controls, allowing machine tools to operate without anyone present. One production machinist, working 8 hours a day, might monitor equipment, replace worn cutting tools, check the accuracy of parts being produced, adjust offsets, and perform other tasks on several CNC machines that operate 24 hours a day (lights-out manufacturing). During lights-out manufacturing, a factory may need only a few machinists to monitor the entire factory.
Other machinists do maintenance work�repairing or making new parts for existing machinery. To repair a broken part, maintenance machinists may refer to blueprints and perform the same machining operations that were needed to create the original part. Because the technology of machining is changing rapidly, machinists must learn to operate a wide range of machines.
Today, most machine shops are relatively clean, well lit, and ventilated. Many computer-controlled machines are partially or totally enclosed, minimizing the exposure of workers to noise, debris, and the lubricants used to cool work pieces during machining. Nevertheless, working around machine tools presents certain dangers and workers must follow safety precautions. Machinists wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses to shield against bits of flying metal and earplugs to dampen machinery noise. They also must exercise caution when handling hazardous coolants and lubricants, although many common water-based lubricants present little hazard. The job requires stamina, because Machinists stand most of the day and, at times, may need to lift moderately heavy work pieces. Modern factories extensively employ autoloaders and overhead cranes, reducing heavy lifting.
Machinists work a 40-hour week. Evening and weekend shifts are becoming less common as companies justify investments in more expensive machinery to extend hours of operation. This trend is increasing the use of automation and lights-out manufacturing for less desirable shifts. Overtime is common during peak production periods.
Machinists train in apprenticeship programs, informally on the job, and in technical colleges. Experience with machine tools is helpful. In fact, many entrants previously have worked as machine setters, operators, or tenders. Persons interested in becoming machinists should be mechanically inclined, have good problem-solving abilities, be able to work independently, and be able to do highly accurate work (tolerances may reach 1/10,000th of an inch) that requires concentration and physical effort. High school or vocational school courses in mathematics (especially trigonometry), blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting are highly recommended.
Apprenticeship programs consist of shop training and related classroom instruction lasting up to 4 years. In shop training, apprentices work almost full time, and are supervised by an experienced machinist while learning to operate various machine tools. Classroom instruction includes math, physics, materials science, blueprint reading, mechanical drawing, and quality and safety practices. In addition, as machine shops have increased their use of computer-controlled equipment, training in the operation and programming of CNC machine tools has become essential. Apprenticeship classes are often taught in cooperation with local community or vocational colleges. A growing number of machinists learn the trade through 2-year associate degree programs at community or technical colleges. Graduates of these programs still need significant on-the-job experience before they are fully qualified.
To boost the skill level of machinists and to create a more uniform standard of competency, a number of training facilities and colleges are implementing curriculums that incorporate national skills standards developed by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS). After completing such a curriculum and passing a performance requirement and written exam, trainees are granted a NIMS credential, which provides formal recognition of competency in a metalworking field. Completing a recognized certification program provides a machinist with better career opportunities.
What Does the Training Require?
- 4 year training program
- 7,888 hours on-the-job training
- 432 hours paid related instruction
- Additional hours of unpaid related instruction
- Apprentice must complete the Transition-To-Trainer Course in final year of apprenticeship
- Entry requirements vary by employer
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Applicants apply directly to participating employers
- Language Skills- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; ability to write routine reports and correspondence; ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or associates of the organization. Must have communication skills to satisfy individual customer needs.
- Mathematical Skills- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; ability to compute basic algebraic and trigonometric formulas used in shop mathematics.
- Other Skills- Ability to work with Microsoft Windows, Word, Outlook and Excel. Must have working knowledge of computers and have at least basic knowledge of computer aided drafting (CAD).
- Reasoning Ability- Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
- Physical Ability- The Machinist is required to stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead, and bend to the floor. Must be able to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
- Visual Acuity- Near acuity and accommodation are required for reading machine dial gauges, blueprints, and precision measuring instruments used in the inspection of parts; the ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Hearing Ability- Ability to monitor machine sounds to identify and diagnose changes in order to take appropriate action.
- Problem Sensitivity- The ability to tell when something is wrong or likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness- The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm, or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Information Ordering- The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Control Precision- The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Mathematical Reasoning- The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
- Deductive/Inductive Reasoning- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events.)
- Visualization- The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
- Oral Comprehension- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
|Your County:||Your BAS Representative:|
|Outagamie, Waupaca||Lisa Perkofski|
|Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Vilas, Wood||Ben Stahlecker|
|Your County:||Your BAS Representative:|
|Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iron, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Washburn||Travis Ludvigson|
|Adams, Price, Taylor||Ben Stahlecker|
|Your County:||Your BAS Representative:|
|Brown, Door, Florence, Kewaunee, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano||Burt Harding|
|Waushara, Winnebago||Lisa Perkofski|
|Columbia, Green Lake, Jefferson, Marquette, Sauk||Debbie Schanke|
|Dane, Rock||Tracy Jallah|
|Kenosha, Racine, Walworth||Sandy Martin|
|Calumet, Fond du Lac, Manitowoc, Sheboygan||Sandra Destree|
|Dodge, Ozaukee, Washington||Liz Pusch|
|Your County:||Your BAS Representative:|
|Buffalo, Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Trempeleau, Vernon||Kathy O'Sullivan|
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains information on all occupations. For more information on the Machinist trade in the United States, visit:
Sources: Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Position Descriptions,
Apprenticeship in Wisconsin Handbook