How to Become a Machinist Apprentice

CNC apprenticeship programs teach you the baiscs.

Machining is the process of using a mill or lathe to cut and form various types of metals, wood plastic and other materials to make parts. Machining is complicated and takes years of training and hands-on experience to become proficient. By enrolling in classes and entering an apprenticeship program, you can gain the required skills to work quickly and independently with accuracy. Apprenticeship programs are available through recruiting companies, career development departments at vocational schools and online ads placed by manufacturing companies looking to expand their work force.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a machinists apprentice program, which provides specialized training in how to become an apprentice. There are specialized schools that will train you in machining and actively search for an appropriate apprenticeship for you to start your career in the field of machining. Penn Foster in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Los Alamos in New Mexico provide classes and hands-on training and can help you find a job after you have learned the information necessary to be a machinist's apprentice.

2. Contact your local trade school to see if they have machinist courses or programs. These trade schools often have career placement offices that will help you find an entry-level or apprenticeship in your area. Although not specifically geared toward apprenticeships, these programs and classes will give you the basic knowledge and hands-on training to excel in an apprenticeship program. In many cases, you will start as an apprentice to get a feel for the shop where you will be working.

3. Contact local machine shops and call them to see if they offer apprenticeships in machining. Many shops find it difficult to find good machinists and are willing to bring in novices to train them the way they want things done in their particular shop. This can be a great way to get into a machining position with little or no experience and lead to a permanent job with an adequate hourly rate, as skilled machinists can make more than $20 per hour in most states.

4. Contact a recruiting service or employment agency that deals with manufacturing jobs. These agencies can let you know if they have clients who are looking for apprentices or are willing to start an apprenticeship in order to fill open positions on their staff. Places such as Aerotek and Perimeter staffing recruit for machinist jobs and can help you find an apprenticeship in your area, so they can let you know what programs are available and where they are located.

References

• NH Machine: What is a Machinist?
• Degree Directory: How to Become a Machinist in 5 Steps