Machine Tool Operator Overview
CVTC’s Machine Tool Operator is a one-year technical diploma. The Machine Tool Operator program provides training for entry-level employment in a machining environment. Students will be exposed to manual lathes & mills, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) workstations, and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM). Students will gain the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to operate various machine tools, along with other support equipment, to produce parts to meet print specifications.
This program offers hands-on training from highly skilled and experienced instructors for employment in CNC programming, CNC machining, CNC operation, mold making, and quality-control inspection. If you wish to join the workforce quicker, have strong mechanical skills, and enjoy building or crafting things, this could be the program for you!
The Machine Tool Operator program is an affordable option allowing you to earn your diploma in less time, so you can join the workforce quicker and earn a competitive salary. Plus, graduates from this program often have several job offers when they graduate!
Throughout this one-year program, you’ll learn about:
- G & M code programming
- Cutter compensation techniques
- Casting molding, welding & gluing
- Classification of materials
- Machine tooling terminology
- Engineering language used on blueprints
- Interpretation of blueprints
This program has an advanced placement entry option. Advanced placement is an opportunity for graduates of a related program to further their education. Learn more about advanced placement for this program.
As part of a career pathway, you will already have credits for the Machine Tool Operator program if you have completed the CNC Mill Operator technical diploma. Call us at 715-833-6300 to learn more.
$1,000 Scholarships Available!
$1,000 scholarships are available for new first-semester, full-time students enrolled in CVTC’s Advanced Machine Tool Technology program! All you need to do is successfully complete your first semester with 90% attendance and a 3.0 GPA. This scholarship is funded by Gene Haas Foundation for CVTC Advanced Machine Tool Technology Students.
To learn more, call 715-833-6300.
Earn credit for prior learning! Do you have previous educational or work experience in the field? You could be eligible to receive credit for prior learning.
Career Opportunities
CNC Machine Operator
CNC Machinist
Machinist
Graduate Employers
Advanced Laser Machine
Riverside Machine & Engineering
Michaud Machining
Just the Facts
Machine Tool Operator
31 Credit Technical Diploma
Program Length
One Year
Delivery Method
Face-to-Face
Program Location
Eau Claire
Start Months
August
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
Term 1
$ 3,013
Term 2
$ 3,356
Materials
$ 1,696
What are estimated program costs? Estimated Total: $8,065
Program Outcomes
CVTC graduates are ready for the workforce. Each year, we send our graduates the Graduate Follow-Up Survey asking several questions related to employment. Here are the program outcomes and job data.
// Program Scorecard$44K* Yearly Salary
Machine Tool Operator professionals make an average starting salary of $44,025.
100% Employed
100% of our recent Machine Tool Operator graduates got a job in the industry.
278 Regional Jobs
There are 278 job openings in the CVTC district for the Machine Tool Operator industry.
* This wage is not specific to CVTC graduates. Wage estimates are based on entry-level positions and are gathered from Lightcast which is an economic modeling software that blends historical and projected industry and occupation trends within CVTC's 11-county district. Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey.
Transfer
Credits to Other Institutions
Should you choose to continue your education after you leave CVTC, we have agreements in place with several institutions to ensure an easy transfer.
Program Courses
These are a few of the courses you will take in this program. Courses and the recommended sequence change from year to year; once you are enrolled in a program at CVTC you will be given a recommended course sequence that outlines what courses you should take and the order in which to take them.
You may search for available courses. If you are ever unsure of what courses to take, talk to your academic advisor. If you are looking for course information for previous years, check out our past catalogs.
Here are a few of the courses you can take in the Machine Tool Operator program.
Sample Courses
Materials for Machinists
During this course individuals will learn the terminology relating to the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of materials used for Machine Tool Technics. Materials covered will be the classification of steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, and polymers. Lab activities include hardening, annealing, case hardening, destructive test, non-destructive test, casting molding, welding, and gluing of materials.
MT Blueprint Reading and GD&T
Introduction of engineering language used on blueprints; interpretation of blueprints; blueprints and understanding manufacturing processes and communication between product design and machinist - manufacturer.
CNC Mill Programming Theory
In this course students will acquire knowledge and skills in CNC Mill programming concepts. Students will develop and apply manual G & M code programming skills in linear and circular interpolation, canned cycles, cutter compensation techniques, and applications using sub-program and sub-routines. Math concepts will be applied to find Cartesian coordinates for part geometry.
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Earn Credentials Along the Way
Career Pathways What is a career pathway?
Career Pathways are a clear, manageable way to access education that provides employer-recognized, stackable credentials tied to specific jobs, education, and career progression. Career Pathways are beneficial to high school students and teachers, parents, adult students, and employers.
Technical Diploma
Technical Diploma
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Apply NowStudent Testimonial
My shop teacher back in high school told me about the program and I tried it out, but because of certain circumstances, it didn’t work out. I joined the army, stayed 20 years, and came back here.
Travis
Machine Tooling Technics Student
Related Programs & Certificates
Whether you're looking to continue your learning to another program or to gain continuing education credit, CVTC offers a variety of learning opportunities for students.
Degrees & Diplomas
Automotive Maintenance Technician, Technical Diploma
Mechatronics Specialist, Associate Degree
Certificates
Continue Your Learning
CVTC can help you achieve your learning goals whether you are looking to advance your career or enrich your personal life.
// Explore Continuing Ed OpportunitiesUnsure of which program you'd like to go into? Learn more about our Career Assessment to help narrow down your options.
Additional Admissions Resources
Admission Requirements
Each program requires specific requirements a student must meet to be considered for admissions to this program.
// View Admission RequirementsAdvanced Placement
This program has an advanced placement option. Eligibility for advanced placement requires students to meet additional requirements.
// View AP Admission RequirementsAdvising Tips
We have compiled helpful tips and general information for students in this program.
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