May 14, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Catalog

Machining Technology Certificate

Location(s): Gainesville Campus


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Victor Drayton
Division Chair, Industrial Technology
vdrayton@nctc.edu
(940) 668-7731 ext. 4401

The Machining Technology program is designed to prepare students for a career as a machinist. Machinists typically work in manufacturing, construction, or specialized shops.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for machinists is growing faster than average.

Most machinists are employed full-time during regular business hours. Beginning machinists can expect to make around $17 per hour, while experienced machinists can earn more than $22 per hour.

The curriculum is designed with the outcomes:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of blueprints, bore, and grinder techniques.
  • Demonstrate the use of precision measurements.
  • Demonstrate the use of Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machining equipment.
  • Demonstrate the use of lathes, mills, and tool pathways in a production environment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of G-Code in both a manual and CNC environment.
  • Understand and demonstrate the conversion of G-Code and how it is used in a production scenario.

Students who complete the Machining Technology program at NCTC are prepared to start an exciting career with continued and expected growth.
Students may pursue:

Level I Workforce Certificate

Upon completion of the Level I Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate appropriate communication skills for the industry.
  • Demonstrate proper workplace safety practices.
  • Demonstrate the use of basic machining procedures.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use precision measuring tools.
  • Demonstrate the relationship between Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Machine Code.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with CNC mills and lathes.
  • Demonstrate pattern development for the machining trade.

This certificate can be completed through a mix of face-to-face, hybrid, and online classes. The program is designed to take one year, or 42 weeks, to complete and consists of the following courses.

Certificate Requirements


Total Credit Hours: 36


Capstone Requirement: Students completing the certificate must pass a comprehensive exam and lab with a score of 70% or higher. The exam and lab are embedded in MCHN 2435 - Advanced CNC Machining  and MCHN 1326 - Introduction to Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) .

Financial Outlook Disclaimer


The salary information provided on this page is based on industry projections, publicly available data, and employer-reported trends. Actual salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, education or degree level, industry demand, and individual employer policies.
Students can meet with the college’s Career Services to learn more about specific career pathways and current labor market information. The college does not promise or imply any guaranteed salary levels upon graduation.

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