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Apprenticeship Requirements

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Apprenticeship Requirements

Tool & Die Maker

Apprenticeship 50-439-3

www.cvtc.edu
1-800-547-2882

Effective: August 2025

First Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
420-711 Math for the Machine Trades 1   This course provides applied mathematics instruction from a review of basic arithmetic; basic algebra; applications, based on geometry; right triangle trigonometry, oblique angle trigonometry and compound angles. This course was formerly module 1 in related instruction.
Course #: 420-711
Title: Math for the Machine Trades
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course provides applied mathematics instruction from a review of basic arithmetic; basic algebra; applications, based on geometry; right triangle trigonometry, oblique angle trigonometry and compound angles. This course was formerly module 1 in related instruction.
420-715 Mech Hrdwr & Hand Tool for MTA 1   This course provides instruction for the apprentice in recognition, selection, and operation of mechanical hardware and hand tools. Apprentices are taught to use outside sources to select correct component or tool sizes, characteristics, and operating parameters. Apprentices will sharpen drills and single point cutting tools.
Course #: 420-715
Title: Mech Hrdwr & Hand Tool for MTA
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course provides instruction for the apprentice in recognition, selection, and operation of mechanical hardware and hand tools. Apprentices are taught to use outside sources to select correct component or tool sizes, characteristics, and operating parameters. Apprentices will sharpen drills and single point cutting tools.
  Total Credits: 2  
Total Credits: 2

Second Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
420-713 Precision Measurement for MTA 1   This course is designed to acquaint the apprentice with the measurement systems and tools most frequently used in layout and machining processes. Learning outcomes relate to semi-precision through super-precision measuring tools and equipment combined with opportunities to investigate new technologies.
Course #: 420-713
Title: Precision Measurement for MTA
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course is designed to acquaint the apprentice with the measurement systems and tools most frequently used in layout and machining processes. Learning outcomes relate to semi-precision through super-precision measuring tools and equipment combined with opportunities to investigate new technologies.
420-714 Engineering Drawings for MTA 1   This course will acquaint the apprentice with the interpretation of engineering prints and other technical and manufacturing documentation. The primary focus of the course will be on that part of manufacturing most closely related to machining and tooling. Background information is provided relative to the process used to create and finish the product or piece part on the prints being studied. This course was formerly module 4 in related instruction.
Course #: 420-714
Title: Engineering Drawings for MTA
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course will acquaint the apprentice with the interpretation of engineering prints and other technical and manufacturing documentation. The primary focus of the course will be on that part of manufacturing most closely related to machining and tooling. Background information is provided relative to the process used to create and finish the product or piece part on the prints being studied. This course was formerly module 4 in related instruction.
  Total Credits: 2  
Total Credits: 2

Third Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
420-710 Safety for Machine Trades Appr 0.25   Course competencies examine safe work practices for machinists, tool and die makers and related trades. Apprentices will explore industrial safety standards; personal protective equipment; machine guards and protective devices; MSDS and chemical safety; electrical hazards, and more. Course relates 5S concepts to safe work practices and trade work processes.
Course #: 420-710
Title: Safety for Machine Trades Appr
Credits: 0.25
Prerequisites/Comments:   Course competencies examine safe work practices for machinists, tool and die makers and related trades. Apprentices will explore industrial safety standards; personal protective equipment; machine guards and protective devices; MSDS and chemical safety; electrical hazards, and more. Course relates 5S concepts to safe work practices and trade work processes.
420-720 Cut-Off Machines for MTA 0.25   This course will acquaint the apprentice with the basic types of cutoff machines used in industry, cutoff machine applications, cutoff machine tooling, and cutoff machine safety.
Course #: 420-720
Title: Cut-Off Machines for MTA
Credits: 0.25
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course will acquaint the apprentice with the basic types of cutoff machines used in industry, cutoff machine applications, cutoff machine tooling, and cutoff machine safety.
420-721 Metallurgy & Materials for MTA 1   This course provides the opportunity for the apprentice to develop the knowledge, skills, process, and understanding of hardness testing, carbons and low alloy steel, tool steels, stainless steels, cast iron, aluminum and aluminum alloys, die cast alloys, copper and copper alloys, plastics, heat treating and nondestructive testing.
Course #: 420-721
Title: Metallurgy & Materials for MTA
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course provides the opportunity for the apprentice to develop the knowledge, skills, process, and understanding of hardness testing, carbons and low alloy steel, tool steels, stainless steels, cast iron, aluminum and aluminum alloys, die cast alloys, copper and copper alloys, plastics, heat treating and nondestructive testing.
420-732 MTA Greening Comptncs-SAGE 0.5   Course competencies were designed to be included in the related instruction for the machine tool trades apprenticeships. Competencies may be introduced in this course and then reinforced in other courses that make up related instruction. For example, competencies 1, 3, 4 and 9 could be reinforced in the safety courses, and competencies 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8 could be reinforced in the various machining courses.
Course #: 420-732
Title: MTA Greening Comptncs-SAGE
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites/Comments:   Course competencies were designed to be included in the related instruction for the machine tool trades apprenticeships. Competencies may be introduced in this course and then reinforced in other courses that make up related instruction. For example, competencies 1, 3, 4 and 9 could be reinforced in the safety courses, and competencies 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8 could be reinforced in the various machining courses.
  Total Credits: 2  
Total Credits: 2

Fourth Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
420-716 Turning Machines for MTA 0.5   This course will acquaint the apprentice with the terminology, methods, and operations for turning machines used in the metal-working industry. Apprentices will learn to perform calculations needed to operate turning machines including speed and feed calculations. Apprentices will make calculations necessary to setup a turning machine for screw threads and taper operations.
Course #: 420-716
Title: Turning Machines for MTA
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course will acquaint the apprentice with the terminology, methods, and operations for turning machines used in the metal-working industry. Apprentices will learn to perform calculations needed to operate turning machines including speed and feed calculations. Apprentices will make calculations necessary to setup a turning machine for screw threads and taper operations.
420-717 Milling Machines for MTA 0.5   This course related instruction on the basic principles of vertical and horizontal milling machines for the machine tool apprentice. Instruction includes safety, basic parts and functions of the machines, work holding devices, tooling requirements, and feeds and speeds.
Course #: 420-717
Title: Milling Machines for MTA
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course related instruction on the basic principles of vertical and horizontal milling machines for the machine tool apprentice. Instruction includes safety, basic parts and functions of the machines, work holding devices, tooling requirements, and feeds and speeds.
420-718 Drilling Machines for MTA 0.5   This course focuses on the terminology, construction and operations of drilling machines in the metal-working industry. Be aware that in-depth information regarding cutting tools, hardware and hand tools will be addressed in their own courses. Efforts should be made to reference information found in other courses in order to assist the apprentice in the application and assimilation of information.
Course #: 420-718
Title: Drilling Machines for MTA
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course focuses on the terminology, construction and operations of drilling machines in the metal-working industry. Be aware that in-depth information regarding cutting tools, hardware and hand tools will be addressed in their own courses. Efforts should be made to reference information found in other courses in order to assist the apprentice in the application and assimilation of information.
420-719 Grinding Machines for MTA 0.5   This course focuses on the terminology, construction and operations of grinding machines in the metal-working industry. Be aware that in-depth information regarding cutting tools, hardware and hand tools will be addressed in their own courses. Efforts should be made to reference information found in other courses in order to assist the apprentice in the application and assimilation of information. This course instructs apprentices in the use of traditional grinding machines and the attachments and accessories frequently encountered in manufacturing operations that use common grinding processes.
Course #: 420-719
Title: Grinding Machines for MTA
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course focuses on the terminology, construction and operations of grinding machines in the metal-working industry. Be aware that in-depth information regarding cutting tools, hardware and hand tools will be addressed in their own courses. Efforts should be made to reference information found in other courses in order to assist the apprentice in the application and assimilation of information. This course instructs apprentices in the use of traditional grinding machines and the attachments and accessories frequently encountered in manufacturing operations that use common grinding processes.
  Total Credits: 2  
Total Credits: 2

Fifth Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
420-725 Basic CAD/CAM for MTA 1   This course is designed to provide the apprentice with the concepts and techniques used in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) as part of their related instruction.
Course #: 420-725
Title: Basic CAD/CAM for MTA
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course is designed to provide the apprentice with the concepts and techniques used in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) as part of their related instruction.
420-726 Jig & Fixture Design for MTA 0.5   This course introduces the apprentice to the concepts of jig and fixture design as part of their apprenticeship related instruction. Topics include the basic elements of tool design, jig and fixture application, and the actual design of tooling.
Course #: 420-726
Title: Jig & Fixture Design for MTA
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course introduces the apprentice to the concepts of jig and fixture design as part of their apprenticeship related instruction. Topics include the basic elements of tool design, jig and fixture application, and the actual design of tooling.
420-727 GD & T for MTA 0.5   This course will acquaint the apprentice with the skills to interpret the geometric dimensions and tolerances found on engineering drawings and in other industrial documents. Instruction concentrates on interpreting the symbols, identifying tolerance zones and determining ways to check parts for conformity to the specified geometric controls. Reference is made to ASME Y14.5M - 1994.
Course #: 420-727
Title: GD & T for MTA
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course will acquaint the apprentice with the skills to interpret the geometric dimensions and tolerances found on engineering drawings and in other industrial documents. Instruction concentrates on interpreting the symbols, identifying tolerance zones and determining ways to check parts for conformity to the specified geometric controls. Reference is made to ASME Y14.5M - 1994.
  Total Credits: 2  
Total Credits: 2

Sixth Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
420-724 CNC Prog & Plan for MTA 1   This course is a classroom introduction to CNC programming for apprentices, with a focus on CNC turning and milling centers. Apprentices will create setup sheets, develop tool lists, calculate speeds and feeds, assign tool offsets and write CNC programs.
Course #: 420-724
Title: CNC Prog & Plan for MTA
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course is a classroom introduction to CNC programming for apprentices, with a focus on CNC turning and milling centers. Apprentices will create setup sheets, develop tool lists, calculate speeds and feeds, assign tool offsets and write CNC programs.
420-733 CNC Operations for MTA 1   Apprentices will examine CNC related operations and safety. Course competencies include classifying types of equipment, comparing CNC tooling, setup, and work holding operations. Additional CNC programming skill development is included in the course. CNC controls and communications are explored as well.
Course #: 420-733
Title: CNC Operations for MTA
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   Apprentices will examine CNC related operations and safety. Course competencies include classifying types of equipment, comparing CNC tooling, setup, and work holding operations. Additional CNC programming skill development is included in the course. CNC controls and communications are explored as well.
  Total Credits: 2  
Total Credits: 2

Seventh Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
420-728 Stamping Diemaking for MTA 1   This course introduces the apprentice to the basics of stamping and diemaking. Topics include the basic terminology, blanking, piercing, bending and related basic operations. In addition learners will discover the basics of the theory and background knowledge related to stamping and die making. This course was designed for related instruction for tool and die, stamping die and mold makers.
Course #: 420-728
Title: Stamping Diemaking for MTA
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course introduces the apprentice to the basics of stamping and diemaking. Topics include the basic terminology, blanking, piercing, bending and related basic operations. In addition learners will discover the basics of the theory and background knowledge related to stamping and die making. This course was designed for related instruction for tool and die, stamping die and mold makers.
420-729 Mold Making for MTA 1   This course introduces the apprentice to the basic mold making process, mold construction and components, and materials. The course provides related instruction for the tool and die, stamping die and mold makers apprenticeship programs.
Course #: 420-729
Title: Mold Making for MTA
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course introduces the apprentice to the basic mold making process, mold construction and components, and materials. The course provides related instruction for the tool and die, stamping die and mold makers apprenticeship programs.
  Total Credits: 2  
Total Credits: 2

Eighth Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
420-723 Elec Discharge Machining Appr 0.5   This course is designed to give the apprentice a basic understanding of the theory and process of sinker and wire EDM in toolmaking. This course uses the EDM Technical Manual distributed by POCO Graphite, Inc., which contains the most current information available in the industry. This course was formerly module 13 in related instruction. This course alone cannot produce the qualified industrial journey level worker. It is but a component of a complete apprenticeship which, when complemented with competent and effective on-the-job training by a qualified journey person can produce a technician capable of dealing with the most industrial work situations.
Course #: 420-723
Title: Elec Discharge Machining Appr
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course is designed to give the apprentice a basic understanding of the theory and process of sinker and wire EDM in toolmaking. This course uses the EDM Technical Manual distributed by POCO Graphite, Inc., which contains the most current information available in the industry. This course was formerly module 13 in related instruction. This course alone cannot produce the qualified industrial journey level worker. It is but a component of a complete apprenticeship which, when complemented with competent and effective on-the-job training by a qualified journey person can produce a technician capable of dealing with the most industrial work situations.
801-500 Applied Comm for Apprentices 0.5   Introduces the apprentice to basic communication concepts relating to the workplace. It is designed specifically for the apprentice to acquire the necessary skills of giving instructions, writing a technical memo, and explaining a technical process. Throughout the course the apprentice will brainstorm, write, edit, revise, and use one-on-one communication delivery in a small group. The course combines lecture and hands-on activities utilizing information which the apprentice brings from the workplace.
Course #: 801-500
Title: Applied Comm for Apprentices
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites/Comments:   Introduces the apprentice to basic communication concepts relating to the workplace. It is designed specifically for the apprentice to acquire the necessary skills of giving instructions, writing a technical memo, and explaining a technical process. Throughout the course the apprentice will brainstorm, write, edit, revise, and use one-on-one communication delivery in a small group. The course combines lecture and hands-on activities utilizing information which the apprentice brings from the workplace.
420-730 Stamping Die Design App 1   This course provides the stamping die maker apprentice with the opportunity to design from part specifications two elementary stamping dies. This course provides instruction for the tool and die, stamping die and mold makers apprenticeship.
Course #: 420-730
Title: Stamping Die Design App
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course provides the stamping die maker apprentice with the opportunity to design from part specifications two elementary stamping dies. This course provides instruction for the tool and die, stamping die and mold makers apprenticeship.
  or  
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420-731 Molding Die Design Application 1   This course provides the Mold Maker apprentice with their final experience in the related instruction portion of their apprenticeship. The apprentice will design a cavity mold and a core and cavity mold using either manual drafting or computer software to complete these projects. This course provides related instruction for the tool and die, stamping die and mold makers apprenticeships.
Course #: 420-731
Title: Molding Die Design Application
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course provides the Mold Maker apprentice with their final experience in the related instruction portion of their apprenticeship. The apprentice will design a cavity mold and a core and cavity mold using either manual drafting or computer software to complete these projects. This course provides related instruction for the tool and die, stamping die and mold makers apprenticeships.
  Total Credits: 2  
Total Credits: 2

Course Title

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Course Description

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Minimum Program Credits Required: 16

2.0 Minimum Program Cumulative GPA Required for Graduation
If a student does not enroll in any courses at CVTC for two or more consecutive semesters, the student will be required to reapply with Admissions. Students must abide by any changes in admission requirements and degree requirements.

Updated: 6/1/2023 10:26 a.m.  |  Printed: 8/13/2025 8:07 a.m.

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