How to Become a Machinist

Machinists use their knowledge of metals and machine tools to create integral parts for computer hard drives, video equipment, appliances, power tools, antilock brakes, transmissions and scores of other everyday products. The ability to operate computer-assisted equipment is now a standard skill in much of this field.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Machinist Trade Publications
• Career Counseling
• Online Career Search

1. Ask yourself whether you are mechanically inclined and whether you possess an attention to detail. A successful machinist must be able to concentrate on his work and produce accurate results 100 percent of the time.

2. Obtain a high school degree and include mathematics, physics, communications, drafting, metalworking and blueprint reading in your courses, if possible. In addition, gain whatever computer education you can.

3. Become experienced with machine tools, such as lathes, drill presses and milling machines, through part-time jobs while you are still in high school.

4. Be aware that much of your competition in this field receives training in community colleges or technical schools. Ask for informational interviews with local companies to gain insight into the specific type of training that they require of beginner machinists.

5. Ask your high school guidance counselor for a list of community colleges or technical schools that offer programs for machinists. In addition, download the Web sites of the Precision Machine Products Association (pmpa.org) and the National Tooling and Machining Association (see ntma.org). They offer in-depth information about the field and a partial list of training facilities.

6. Ask the school that impresses you most if its program includes apprenticeships or job-placement services.

7. Make certain that the school offers courses in the use of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools.

Tips & Warnings

• As you become experienced in the field, take steps to become proficient with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. It will enable you to do programming, which is becoming expected of experienced machinists.
• Read trade publications for the latest in technology related to this field.
• Be aware that you must wear safety glasses and earplugs while doing a lot of this work.
• Standing for long periods of time is part of this job.

Who Can Help:

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