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  1. Programs
  3. Machine Shop Technology

Machine Shop Technology

Northwest-Shoals Community College

Associate's Degree

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Machine Shop Technology program prepares students for careers in precision machining including CNC operations, manual machining, and tool and die making. Coursework includes manual machining, CNC programming, blueprint reading, and metallurgy.

Credits

62 credits

Format

In-Person

Eligibility Calculator

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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

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Locations

Where this program is offered

  • Alabama

    Alabama

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Related Programs

Programs related to this one

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Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

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

Skills

Operation and ControlCritical ThinkingMonitoringOperations MonitoringActive ListeningSpeakingCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingQuality Control AnalysisEquipment SelectionJudgment and Decision MakingTime Management

Knowledge

MathematicsMechanicalProduction and ProcessingDesignEnglish Language

Abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessManual DexterityFinger DexterityControl PrecisionProblem SensitivitySelective AttentionNear VisionInformation OrderingDeductive ReasoningOral ComprehensionVisualizationCategory Flexibility

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
  • Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, u
  • Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, mil
  • Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specificatio
  • Troubleshoot malfunctions in manufacturing equipment.

Technology

Computer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareIndustrial control softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareMaterials requirements planning logistics and supply chain 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 hammers1-2-3 blocksAbrasive cutoff sawsAcetylene torchesAdjustable widemouth pliersAir compressorsAir grindersAir-powered sandblastersAllen wrenchesAngle gauge blocksBand sawsBearing pullersBench grindersBore gauges

Work Values

SupportWorking ConditionsIndependenceAchievementRecognitionRelationships
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

  • Machinists51-4041.00
  • Tool and Die Makers51-4111.00
What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populated·from NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Associate's Degree)

  • 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

Completion Rate
Not reported
Placement Rate
Not reported