Machine Tool Technology

Overview

From mining to robotics, machinists are employed across numerous industries, using their technical skills to build, engineer and create parts for the working world. Sheridan College offers one of the nation’s best machine tool technology programs. Students are prepared for their careers with our state-of-the-art technology and hands-on learning.

A Machine Tool Technology degree will prepare you to work in the field as a skilled machinist. The program is offered in associate of applied science degree and certificate of completion options. Graduates from these programs are very successful and highly regarded in the region. Students receive important hands-on training, in addition to best theory and practical teachings for the industry. Expert faculty members will guide you through using cutting-edge technology. Your course schedule may include Machine Tool Skills Lab, Manufacturing Methods, Computer Numerical Controlled Program and Operations, and more.

Why Sheridan College?

• Develop advanced skills in precision machining using Sheridan College’s state-of-the-art technology center.
• Learn to use a variety of engine lathes, drill presses, grinders, mills, CNC machining centers, CNC turning centers, 3D printers, 3D modeling, and more in hands-on classes.
• World-class job opportunities – Sheridan College Machine Tool graduates helped upgrade one of NASA’s Crawler Transporters, the largest self-powered land vehicle in the world.

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Careers & Industry Outlook

From building a tool for a farming job to upgrading spacecraft for NASA, machinists are employed across sectors in every state. From 2023 – 2033 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about 35,400 openings for machinists and tool and die makers are projected each year, on average, over the decade..

Industry Projections

• Overall employment of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights is projected to grow 15 percent, or about 53,000 openings, from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also states the median annual wage for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights was $63,510 in May 2024.

Job Types

Nearly everything manufactured today can be traced back to the skilled work of a machinist. Sheridan College’s Machine Tool Technology Program graduates have landed jobs in a variety of industries, including the automotive, aerospace, medical, and more. You can use your machine tool technology degree and skills to work as a machinist, CNC machine operator, CNC programmer, machine assembler, or machine tool designer in a related field like:

Curriculum & Outcomes

Associate of Applied Science Degree & Certificate of Completion

The Machine Tool AAS program gives the students an opportunity to gain a broader knowledge and to achieve a higher skill level in machining than is offered in the one-year certificate program. Students are required to develop advanced skills in planning, designing, producing CAD prints, and setting up and operating machine tools to produce precision parts to specifications. The students receive training in programming, setting-up and operating CNC turning and machining centers. There is also a general education component integrated into the program to satisfy demands for appropriate workforce skills. Upon completing the AAS degree program, students have the necessary skills to become employed as an entry-level machinist or a CNC technician.

Program Outcomes

Whether you choose the Certificate of Completion or the Associate of Applied Science track, you’ll bring home the following outcomes:

• Perform safety skills in an industrial setting.
• Interpret information from a blueprint.
• Produce parts from a blueprint on a manual machine.
• Perform programming and setup procedures on a computer numerical controlled machine.
• Design and manufacturing parts using CAD/CAM (computer-aided drafting/computer-aided machining software.

Faculty

Sheridan College has some of the best Machine Tool Technology instructors in the country.  They are committed to helping you learn each aspect of planning, designing, precise machining, and more. Our faculty follow industry standards from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) to ensure you are learning the latest skills to prepare you for your career.

Sheridan College has built strong partnerships with industry giants, including coal mines and manufacturing companies, to provide excellent learning opportunities and jobs in the field of machine tool technology.

Our students compete annually in the Wyoming SkillsUSA state competition. Many Sheridan College students earn trips to the national SkillsUSA conference and competition. We have had students finish in the top 15 in the nation with a variety of technology categories, such as Precision Machining.

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World-Class Facilities

As a Career & Technical Education student, you will learn in the leading facilities in the region, the Technical Center and the Innovation Center at Sheridan College.

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Related Programs

Looking to add some other skills to your toolbox? There’s a variety of options to explore.