How to Apply to Machinist School

A career as a machinist offers excellent flexibility and high demand for the skills set you'll acquire at school. To apply, you'll generally need no more than a high school diploma, although some evidence of your commitment to your career path may help to strengthen your application.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Take jobs in factories and other industrial settings where you can get hands-on entry-level experience working with machines. This will help separate you from the pack when you apply to machinist school.
2. Complete your high school diploma, or pass a high school equivalency examination. This is the minimum education you'll need to apply to machinist school.
3. Select a specialization, unless you want the flexibility of a general education. For example, some machinist schools specialize in servicing certain industries, such as automotive machinery. Your prior work experience may help you decide what industry you're interested in.
4. Investigate your options by contacting trade schools in your area. Ask about the specificity of their programs, the length of schooling required, the size of the average class and tuition costs. Weigh your options and do further research to determine which machinist schools have the best reputations.
5. Visit or call the school's admissions department to get a copy of the application packet. Acquire a schedule of courses (with course descriptions) to make sure the classes you want to take will be offered.
6. Fill out the application, making sure you're providing all the information you're asked for and that you fill out all fields correctly. Many machinist schools also allow applicants to complete applications online.
7. Pay any application fees the school requires. These should generally be reasonable. Be wary of schools that overcharge on administrative items--it may be a sign they're out to get their hands in your pocket rather than educate you.

Tips & Warnings

• Take as many shop classes as you can in high school. Some machinist schools will ask if you have any prior in-class experience.
• Call local machine shops and speak to members of the human resources department. They can identify the schools from which they hire graduates.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• Flexible Scheduling, Online Programs, Get Info Now