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  1. Programs
  3. Machining Fundamentals

Machining Fundamentals

Drake State Community and Technical College

Certificate

Become a contributor for free to openly demonstrate student outcomes, industry alignment & eligibility criteria.

Certificate program for entry-level machinist positions. Covers blueprint reading, machining calculations, lathe operations, and milling operations.

Credits

35 credits

Format

In-Person

Eligibility Calculator

Which aid programs apply to this program?

Record QualityEligibility Calculators
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Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

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Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

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Locations

Where this program is offered

  • Alabama

    Alabama

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Related Programs

Programs related to this one

No related programs.

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populated·from O*NET via SOC 51-4041.00

Skills

Operation and ControlMonitoringOperations MonitoringActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingQuality Control AnalysisEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision MakingReading Comprehension

Knowledge

MathematicsMechanicalProduction and ProcessingDesignEnglish Language

Abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessManual DexterityControl PrecisionProblem SensitivitySelective AttentionNear VisionOral ComprehensionInformation OrderingFinger DexterityDeductive ReasoningVisualizationWritten Comprehension

Tasks

  • Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
  • Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or
  • Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specificati
  • Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, u
  • Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fi
  • Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to pl

Technology

Computer aided design CAD softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareIndustrial control softwareElectronic mail softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software

Tools

3-axis computerized numerical control CNC machinesAdjustable wrenchesAngle platesAngled feeler gaugesAnvilsArbor pressesAviation snipsBall peen hammersBandsawsBeverly shearsBinocular light compound microscopesBoring barsBoring toolsBrake pressesBrass hammersBand sawsBlow-molding machinesBuffing machinesClaw hammersCompassesComputer numerical controlled CNC milling machinesCutting machinesDesktop computersDrafting scalesExtruding machinesFace masksGear hobbersGrease guns

Work Values

SupportWorking ConditionsIndependenceAchievementRecognitionRelationships
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

  • Machinists51-4041.00
  • Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic51-4081.00
What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populated·from NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Certificate)

  • Vernier calipers, micrometers, and dial indicators — apply routinely and independently to calculate and verify dimensions and tolerances on completed parts in a mid-volume production environment.
  • Manual lathes, milling machines, and surface grinders — set up and operate with minimal oversight to machine parts to drawing specifications across a range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
  • Feed rate, spindle speed, and depth-of-cut parameters — monitor and adjust during active machining cycles to maintain surface finish and hold tolerances within ±0.001 inch.
  • CAM software such as Mastercam or Fusion 360 — generate or modify basic toolpaths for two- and three-axis CNC operations from existing CAD geometry in a production shop.
  • Sample parts and multi-view engineering drawings — study independently to determine operation sequences and fixturing requirements before setting up a new job.
  • CNC turning and machining centers — program conversational or G-code routines for familiar part families and verify dry-run execution before live cutting.
  • In-process quality checks — perform at defined inspection intervals using precision instruments to detect and flag deviations before they become nonconforming finished parts.
  • Machine tool preventive maintenance tasks including coolant checks, way lubrication, and filter replacement — complete on schedule to minimize unplanned downtime.
  • Troubleshooting common machining defects such as chatter, tool deflection, and poor surface finish — diagnose cause and apply corrective action using deductive reasoning and production experience.
  • Job travelers and ERP work-order records — update accurately after each operation to support accurate production tracking in a manufacturing facility.

Some details on this page are auto-populated from public workforce data sources: O*NET (opens in new tab), BLS (opens in new tab), College Scorecard (opens in new tab), DOL Training Provider Results (opens in new tab), NSX (opens in new tab). Provided in partnership with LER.me Career Intelligence.

Student Outcomes

Performance metrics for this program

Auto-populated·from Scorecard + DOL
Completion Rate
79%
Placement Rate
73%