MACHINING TECHNOLOGY
Every sector of industry is dependent upon people with specialized machining technology training in such areas as automotive, aerospace, medical supply, furniture, metals/metal products, plastics, machinery and renewable energy. These highly skilled experts work with designers and engineers to make fixtures, dies, molds, gauges and other industry-specific parts which support the manufacturing process.
The Machining Technology Program at Kellogg Community College prepares students with hands-on skills to create precision components and reach the high-quality and accuracy standards demanded of machinists.
KCC offers an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Integrated Machining degree, a CNC Machinist Certificate and a Machinist Certificate, as well as the more generalized Associate in Applied Science in Skilled Trades and Industrial Trades Certificate geared towards company-sponsored students. Click through the below links to learn more about each program on their respective Academic Catalog pages.
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Integrated Machining (60-61 credits)
- CNC Machinist Certificate (31 credits)
- Machinist Certificate (16)
- Industrial Trades Certificate (25 credits)
- Associate in Applied Science in Skilled Trades (60 credits)
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Machinist Certificate Description & Learning Outcomes
The 16-credit Machinist Certificate Program provides the core skills required for a successful career in a machining-related occupation. Graduates are well prepared for entry-level machinist positions and entry into apprenticeship programs in a variety of trades across multiple industries. With experience and further training, graduates may work as machinists; CNC machinists; CNC programmers; tool, die and mold makers; setup and engineering technicians; machine repairmen; or machine builders.
Coursework in the program is aligned to the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) standards and includes mathematics, blueprints, precision measurement, materials, and machining operations on lathes, mills and surface grinders. Credits earned in the Machinist Certificate Program directly apply to both the CNC Machinist Certificate and the Associate in Applied Science in Computer Integrated Machining degree.
The Machining Technology Program is a good fit for students who like to work with their hands, pay close attention to detail, like to sketch and design, are good with computers and enjoy using tools and machinery to craft objects. Students with significant work experience should consult a program instructor for prior credit, placement and course selection.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Develop strategies for machining products from design data.
- Make precision parts with traditional machine tools.
- Evaluate machined parts for conformance to design specifications.
CNC Machinist Certificate Description & Learning Outcomes
The 31-credit CNC Machinist Certificate program is an advanced certification in the use of computerized machine tools to craft precision objects. Graduates are well prepared for employment in a variety of positions across multiple industries, including machinists; CNC machinists; CNC programmers; and setup, engineering and quality technicians. Graduates have a significant advantage when competing for apprenticeships in highly skilled and compensated machining occupations, such as tool, die and mold makers; machine repairmen; and machine builders.
Coursework in the program is aligned to the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) standards and includes mathematics, blueprints, precision measurement, materials, traditional machining, coding for machine tools, computer-aided machining (CAM), setup and operation of CNC machine tools, and electrical discharge machining (EDM). Completion of the CNC Machinist Certificate fulfills all requirements for the basic Machinist Certificate, and all credits earned in the certificate programs directly apply to the Associated in Applied Science in Computer Integrated Machining degree.
The Machining Technology Program is a good fit for students who like to work with their hands, pay close attention to detail, like to sketch and design, are good with computers and enjoy using tools and machinery to craft objects. Students with significant work experience should consult a program instructor for prior credit, placement and course selection.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Develop effective strategies for machining complex products, considering design criteria and resource availability.
- Create precision products via efficient use of traditional and modern machining processes, tooling and machinery.
- Evaluate machined products for conformance to design specifications through methodical and appropriate measurement techniques.
- Analyze data, evidence and other information to form conclusions, solve problems, develop theories and improve processes.
Computer Integrated Machining Description & Learning Outcomes
The 60- to 61-credit Associate of Applied Science in Computer Integrated Machining degree prepares students with the analytical and technical skills required for multiple career paths in advanced manufacturing, research and education. With the associate degree and a strong background in machining, graduates work as craftsmen, researchers, leaders and educators. Specific occupations include machinists; tool, die and mold makers; CNC programmers; tool room and production supervisors; engineering technicians; CTE instructors and assistants; research and development technicians; facility coordinators; and quality assurance technicians.
Coursework in the program is aligned to the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) standards and includes mathematics, blueprints, precision measurement, materials, traditional machining, coding for machine tools, computer-aided machining (CAM), setup and operation of CNC machine tools, and electrical discharge machining (EDM). A design-and-build capstone project provides an opportunity to follow an initial concept through the design, developement and trial phases of a small production tool.
The Machining Technology program is a good fit for students who like to work with their hands, pay close attention to detail, like to sketch and design, are good with computers and enjoy using tools and machinery to craft objects. Students with significant work experience should consult a program instructor for prior credit, placement and course selection.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Develop effective strategies for machining complex products, considering design criteria and resource availability.
- Create precision products via efficient use of traditional and modern machining processes, tooling and machinery.
- Evaluate machined products for conformance to design specifications through methodical and appropriate measurement techniques.
- Analyze data, evidence and other information to form conclusions, solve problems, develop theories and improve processes.
Job Outlook & Salary Info
For the latest employment and wage estimates for Machining Technology careers in Michigan, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Transfer Opportunities
Transfer opportunities are available for students looking to transfer their KCC credits to a four-year institution. Popular transfer destinations for KCC’s Machining Technology students include Ferris State University, Siena Heights University and Western Michigan University.
For additional advice on transfer opportunities, contact our academic advising department.
Machining Technology Contacts
Brandon McAllister
Instructional Assistant, Industrial Trades, Machining and Welding
