Turning | Kirkwood Community College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-4034.00

Skills

Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlReading ComprehensionActive ListeningMonitoringEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control Analysis

Knowledge

Production and ProcessingMechanicalEngineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingAdministration and Management

Abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessControl PrecisionNear VisionFinger DexterityOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityVisualizationManual DexterityMultilimb CoordinationRate Control

Tasks

Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to
Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling in

Technology

Industrial control softwareObject or component oriented development softwareInventory management software

Tools

1-2-3 blocksAllen wrench setsAutomatic tool changersAutomatic turret lathesBall peen hammersBar feedersBench grindersBevel protractorsBore gaugesBoring headsCapstan lathesCarbide cutting insertsCenter findersCenter-cutting end millsCoaxial indicators

Work Values

SupportAchievementIndependenceWorking ConditionsRecognitionRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium51-4034.00	Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	title_inference	$48,620 median$65,450 top	-13.23%	-260

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

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

Machine controls and tool settings — adjust independently between production runs to maintain specified tolerances on a variety of turned metal and plastic workpieces.
Cutting speed, depth, and feed rate parameters — select and set with limited oversight based on job order specifications and material type on a turning center.
Blueprints, layout charts, and job orders — study and translate into correct operational sequences and tooling setups without direct supervision.
Dimensional inspection — conduct routinely using micrometers, dial indicators, and gauges, logging results and flagging out-of-tolerance parts for review.
Dull cutting tools and dies — sharpen and replace using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines following established maintenance schedules.
Automatic feeding mechanisms — engage and monitor during continuous production runs, adjusting feed paths as workpiece requirements change.
Unspecified dimensions and machine settings — compute using shop mathematics and knowledge of metal and plastic properties for standard job configurations.
Machine cycle timing and clearances — verify by cranking through cycles and making incremental control adjustments to achieve repeatable tolerance results.
Operations monitoring practices — apply systematically throughout a shift to detect machine anomalies and initiate corrective action before scrap is produced.
Industrial control software — use to retrieve program parameters, record production data, and make approved setting changes on CNC-assisted turning equipment.

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.