Journeyman Machining Technology | Westmoreland County Community College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-4041.00

Skills

Operation and ControlCritical ThinkingMonitoringOperations MonitoringActive ListeningSpeakingCoordinationComplex Problem Solving

Knowledge

MathematicsMechanicalProduction and ProcessingDesign

Abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessManual DexterityFinger DexterityControl PrecisionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningSelective AttentionNear VisionOral ComprehensionInformation Ordering

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

Technology

Computer aided design CAD softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareIndustrial control softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP software

Tools

3-axis computerized numerical control CNC machinesAdjustable wrenchesAngle platesAngled feeler gaugesAnvilsArbor pressesAviation snipsBall peen hammersBandsawsBeverly shearsBinocular light compound microscopesBoring barsBoring toolsBrake pressesBrass hammers

Work Values

SupportWorking ConditionsIndependenceAchievementRecognitionRelationships

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: high51-4041.00	Machinists	title_inference	$56,150 median$78,760 top	+0.03%	0

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: proficient (Level 3)(based on Associate's Degree)

Complex multi-setup machining sequences — plan and execute autonomously on lathes, mills, and grinders to fabricate tight-tolerance parts from detailed engineering packages without supervisor intervention.
Full GD&T callouts including true position, runout, and profile tolerances — interpret and verify on finished components using CMM or precision hand tools in a precision-parts production environment.
Non-routine machining challenges such as exotic alloys, thin-walled sections, or interrupted cuts — analyze root cause and implement corrective tooling or parameter strategies independently.
CAD/CAM software — develop multi-axis toolpaths, select appropriate cutting strategies, and post-process proven programs for introduction into a live CNC production cell.
First-article inspection reports — lead preparation by measuring all drawing-controlled features and documenting results to satisfy customer or AS9100/ISO 9001 quality requirements.
Process improvement opportunities including cycle-time reduction and scrap elimination — identify and implement through critical thinking and analysis of production data in a mid-size machine shop.
Machine tool alignment, tramming, and geometric accuracy checks — perform and document to maintain equipment within specification across a multi-machine department.
Unfamiliar part geometries and ambiguous drawing notes — resolve by coordinating directly with engineers or customers and proposing feasible machining approaches.
Control precision and arm-hand steadiness — apply consistently during delicate hand-grinding, deburring, or fitting operations on close-tolerance assemblies.
Junior machinists and apprentices — guide informally on setup techniques, measurement methods, and safe machine operation during daily production activities.

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.