Machine Tool Technology

Machine tool technology is the skill of producing metal, wood, or plastic parts through milling, turning, drilling, and grinding. You get to make things used in everyday life. Today's technology is changing rapidly and as it grows more sophisticated, the need for technicians to build machines, make parts, and offer new ideas is increasing. Careers in areas such as tool and die making, drafting, metallurgy, tool design, instruction, engineering, vocational teaching, production control, and quality control are only a few areas from which you can branch out.

In the Machine Tool program you will learn things like layout, setup and procedures to operate lathes, grinders, drill presses, and milling machines. We follow industry standards on safety, work attitudes, and performance. You produce hands-on projects from blueprints or existing parts. You learn knowledge and safety by operating all equipment. You study plane geometry, trigonometry, and blueprint reading. Though instruction, demonstration, and real experience, you get the skills to position work pieces, adjust machines, verify the accuracy of machine functions, and finish products.

Available Credentials


Diplomas

  • CNC Machinist

Certificates

  • CNC Operator
  • Exploratory Machining
  • Exploratory Machining II
  • Machine Tool Operator I
  • Machine Tool Operator II

PDF icon MAPs for diploma and certificates

Employment Opportunities

Machinists work in all industries in all places. Most work in modern surroundings with cutting-edge equipment. Some keep mechanical equipment in good working order, and some produce parts. What is the demand and pay for machinists? Basic to advanced machine tool technicians are needed in all areas of manufacturing. The median annual salary for CNC programmers was $35,000 in 2006, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Admission Requirements

This program has no special admission requirements. Please consult HCC's general admission requirements.

Length of Program

If taken fulltime, it should take you between 18 and 24 months to complete this program.

Opportunities for More Education

The Machine Tool Technology diploma can be used as part of the GOTS AAS degree, along with additional courses. Work with your Program Coordinator and the GOTS Coordinator if you want to take advantage of this option.

Contact

Jeff Partney, Program Coordinator
Office:  Hopkinsville Campus, Technology Center 124J
Phone: (270) 707-3899
Email: jeff.partney@kctcs.edu

This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.