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covid information and resources - updated 10.28.20
machine tool technician
technical diploma
why choose machine tool technician?
- machinists create parts for use in manufacturing, and each one must be nearly perfect, making this a great career for those with attention to detail and mechanical aptitude.
- infusion of new technology into the field has increased the need for machinists today.
- get the training you need to get started in a machining position. additional training and experience often lead to supervisory, quality assurance, and tool maker positions.
a machinist starts with a piece of raw material, then cuts material away through multiple processes to create an object of great utility and precision. that object is a part to be used in manufacturing, and it must be nearly perfect. how perfect? usually within 0.010 inches (0.25 mm) and sometimes at tolerances as low as 0.0001 inches.
program locations
wisconsin rapids campus
500 32nd street north
wisconsin rapids, wisconsin 54494
length of program: two years
credits: 54
start dates: fall
start at any time or location by taking general education courses.
what you'll learn
the machine tool technician program prepares graduates for machining positions, an in-demand skill set at the heart of industrial production. additional training and experience often lead to supervisory, quality assurance, and tool maker positions.
in this program you will learn to shape various materials into intricate, precise, usable parts. you’ll also work from blueprints and written specifications to select the proper machinery, materials, and tools, and you’ll gain proficiency with machine tools such as lathes, mills, grinders, computers, and computerized numerical control (cnc) machines.
estimated entire program cost
cost based on the 2020/2021 academic calendar year.
- Tuition & Fees: $9,443.92
- books: $707.90
- supplies, uniforms, and/or exams: $0.00
- total estimated cost: $10,151.82
financial aid eligibility
this program is eligible for full financial aid.
| catalog# | title | credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32420362 | cnc lathes/manual programming | 2.00 | |
| 10623116 | technical drawing interpretation | 2.00 | |
| 32420326 | introduction to turning machines | 2.00 | |
| 32420327 | turning machine foundations | 3.00 | |
| 32420328 | precision turning machine applications | 3.00 | |
|
31804305 | applied mathematics | 2.00 |
| -or- | 10804107 | college mathematics | 3.00 |
| (14-15 credits) |
| catalog# | title | credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32420337 | introduction to milling machines | 2.00 | |
| 32420338 | milling machine foundations | 3.00 | |
| 32420339 | precision milling machine applications | 3.00 | |
| 32420312 | metals science | 2.00 | |
| 32420310 | introduction to solid modeling | 2.00 | |
| 32420364 | cnc mills/manual programming | 2.00 | |
| (14 credits) |
| catalog# | title | credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32420335 | lathes-advanced | 2.00 | |
| 10623112 | manufacturing practices | 2.00 | |
| 32420325 | inspection with geometric dimensioning | 2.00 | |
| 32444377 | cnc lathes computer aided programming | 2.00 | |
| 32420373 | cnc lathes set up and operation | 2.00 | |
|
10801199 | employment strategies | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10102130 | career development | 3.00 |
| (13 credits) |
| catalog# | title | credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32420380 | multi-axis machining processes | 3.00 | |
| 32444378 | cnc mills computer aided programming | 3.00 | |
| 32444379 | advanced cnc milling operations | 3.00 | |
| 32420374 | cnc mills set up and operation | 2.00 | |
| 32420336 | mills-advanced | 2.00 | |
| (13 credits) |
| (54-55 credits) |
instructors
mike berry, bs
mike earned his bachelor’s degree from uw–stout and is a certified journey worker machinist. he has worked for local manufacturers and maintains constant contact with industry leaders, giving him a real-life understanding of what they need from their employees.
“teaching at mid-state allows me to give back to a trade i have found so much satisfaction in being a part of.”
joe byczynski
joe earned his journeyman machinist license from northcentral technical college. his extensive experience includes working in the metal manufacturing sector since 1987, where his roles included everything from project manager to shop owner.
“being a machine tool technician instructor is a great way for me to utilize my unique experiences and pass my knowledge on to the future generation of machinists.”
kerry duckart, td
kerry earned his machine tool technician technical diploma from mid-state technical college in 2002. his 17 years of industry experience include five years in a machine shop and 12 years working for an oem company where he advanced to machine shop manager. he is currently working on his bachelor’s degree.
“i love having the opportunity to teach skills that have allowed me a successful career as a machinist.”
careers
- cnc operator
- cnc programmer
- machine operator
- machinist
- maintenance machinist
- tool room machinist
video
take the next step
“i value my experience at mid-state tremendously. even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before i even graduated. education equals opportunity.”
jake anderson
graduate
choose your path
career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree.
transfer • dual credit • credit for prior learning
