Machining Technology

Are you a hands-on kind of person who would like a career working with manually-operated or computerized equipment? Do you enjoy projects like antique car restoration or gunsmithing or perhaps even making your own robots? All those activities require machining skills, so if your interests are in this area, the TSTC West Texas Machining Program may be for you.

Machining is the program that answers the question: "I don't have the part for this project --what can I do?" with "Just make it!" Our Machining Program instructors will show you how and help you acquire the skills to be a Machinist.

Not only will you learn to make specialized parts in the Machining Program, you'll learn the skills you'll need to operate manual control machines like lathes, mills and grinders and computer-controlled precision machining equipment like EDMs and CNC machines. If you don't know what some of these machines are -- come tour our lab!

You'll learn blueprint reading, schematics, geometric dimensions and tolerancing, the basics of metals, basic welding, and CNC coding in courses like:

  • Precision Tools and Measurements
  • Basic Computer Aided Drafting
  • Basic Lathe and Basic Milling Operations
  • Metals and Heat Treatment


This is a high demand field! With your machining skills you'll be able to choose from careers such as:

  • Machinist
  • Production Technician
  • Quality Assurance Technician

If you're interested in training and sales, those career options are open to a trained Machinist too.

Potential employment fields and employers include:

  • Aircraft Assembly (Mooney Aircraft)
  • Oilfield Industry (Loadcraft and FMC)
  • Machine Maintenance (3M, Superior, Kohler)
  • Foundries (X-FAB and EBAA Ironworks)

Or, you may decide to open your own business machining parts for your customers.

In the Machining Program, your instructors will help you develop your critical thinking skills as well as your technical skills. The ability to troubleshoot or to think through a part design is vital in this field. We'll help you develop the professional and employability skills you'll need to succeed as in a machining career.

 

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