The Precision Machining Program is a 1500-hour, 1.5-year program that consists of four courses. Some basic skills and knowledge from the first course, Machinist Helper, must be completed first. From there, students will take course segments from the Machinist Helper and Machine Operator courses, so as to maximize usage of shop equipment and shop floor space. Then, students move to training in CAD, CNC operation, and CNC programming, as well as more complex machining skills and setup work.

There are a variety of projects within the 4 Occupational Completion Points. Students will need to complete all of the projects in order to satisfy the curriculum requirements for this course.

Courses:

The following table illustrates the program structure.

Machining students will recieve hands-on learning in our machining lab. Areas of focus will include operation of manual milling, manual lathes, surface grinders, CNC mills and lathes, blueprint reading, CAD and CAM training, inspection and layout, plus alternate machining methods.

Certifications:

• NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) – Machining Level 1
  • Measurement, Materials, and Safety
  • Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout
  • Drill Press I
  • Turning Between Centers
  • Turning Chucking
  • Milling I
  • Surface Grinding I
  • CNC Lathe Operations
  • CNC Lathe Programming, Setup, and Operations
  • CNC Mill Operations
  • CNC Mill Programming, Setup, and Operations
• The Certificate of Special Merit Machining Level I

Software Applications:

• Solidworks CAD
• Solidworks CAM
• Coordinate Measuring Machines

Specific Admissions Requirements:

• Students must be 16 years of age
• A standard high school diploma or high school credential
• Bennett Aptitude Test – score of mid 30s or above

DOE Basic Skills Exit Requirements: Communications 8, Computation 9 (unless exempt).

CASAS Exit Requirements: Communications 239+, Computation 241+ (unless exempt).

There is a projected shortage of skilled machinists throughout the country for the next 20+ years, with a big demand in Southwest Florida due to an increase in manufacturing in the region. Employment opportunities include the partners (see: Internships) and multiple aerospace companies in Florida, such as Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Honeywell, and more. In addition, boat manufacturers, gun manufacturers, and others have a presence in this state. It is not uncommon for other states to compete for your employment by offering to pay top dollar, plus moving expenses and signing bonuses.

We discuss how to make a proper resume, how to handle a job interview, and what to expect in the work environment. A set of basic machinist’s tools are given to start the job.

Internships

Paid internships during the summer between first and second year are offered. Our partners include, but are not limited to: Arthrex Corporation, US Sugar, Progress Rail, Shaw Corporation, Loos & Co, Parker Aerospace, S4J Manufacturing and Service, and Structure Medical.

Workforce Education Internship Program

Students participate in work-based learning experiences in their field of study outside of the classroom. ITECH has a Workforce Internship Program for those students who need work experience, but do not have an out-of-school job.

Job Placement

Our competent counseling staff provides job postings on a daily basis, with help in resume writing and the interviewing process.

A certificate is awarded to students who successfully complete the program’s competencies and satisfy basic skill requirements in accordance with state guidelines. Students will also have the opportunity to test and earn additional industry and national credentials through the training program.