Program Description
Do you have a keen eye for detail? Do you like to work with your hands, use your creativity to solve challenging problems, and work with high-tech equipment? Get involved in the fast-paced and evolving industry of machining technology and learn to design, create, and refine products for leading industries around the world.
At SPSCC, our students are provided instructors with real-world experience and state-of-the-art Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment.
The certificate and degree program provides the knowledge and skills for students to design and create products for the manufacturing industry. Students will use MASTERCAM CAD/CAM software to operate multi-axis numerical control machines. Training will utilize manufacturing related math, industry blueprint reading, CAD geometry, CAM tool paths, precision measurement, machine setup and operation, and quality control procedures. Students can further pursue the creation of detailed industry standard blueprints from 3-D solid models, as well as work with metal processes.
Career Opportunities
Completion of the Basic Machining Technologies certificate prepares students for entry-level work as a machinist and is aligned with Boeing’s knowledge, skills, and abilities for precision machining. The AAS prepares students for advanced level work in this same field and may lead to a career as a CNC Operator, CAD/CAM Computer Programmer, or CNC service technician.
Other Options:
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic
- Machine Setter
- Machine Operator
Additional Costs
Include textbooks plus approximately $900.00 upon entry into the program for personal protective equipment, tools, and supplies. Please contact faculty to get a list of the items and the costs.
South Puget Sound Community College believes that all students need to develop a broad range of abilities that will not only make them more effective in their professional pursuits but will enhance their capacity to relate well to others in their daily lives. At the end of this program students will:
At the completion of the Machining Technologies Program, the successful student will be able to:
- Communicate with diverse audiences and in a variety of contexts, both orally and through writing, within the machining and manufacturing environment
- Identify, analyze, and synthesize relevant data and inputs within a machining and manufacturing environment and troubleshoot identified issues
- Select and safely operate appropriate tools, equipment, and software used in machining and manufacturing industries
- Demonstrate proficiency of quality control and process management systems utilized in machining and manufacturing
- Accurately use precision measurement methods and interpret information presented in spreadsheets, graphs, charts, and blueprints
- Identify and adapt to workplace, co-worker, and supervisor cultural differences to be an effective team member
- Demonstrate ethical, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible work habits
- Recognize how machining fits within the whole of a manufacturing project
The SPSCC college-wide abilities are embedded into each program:
- Analytical Reasoning
- Effective Communication
- Information Literacy
- Multicultural Awareness
- Social Responsibility
Courses by Quarter (Pathway Maps)
Check with your advisor to determine where you will start. Advisors must approve changes to academic plan.
Pre-College Level
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| 1 - 7.5 |
| Applied Math I | |
| Applied Math II | |
| Contextualized Math I | |
| 1 - 10 |
| ESOL Level I (Beginning Literacy) | |
| ESOL Level II (Low Beginning) | |
| ESOL Level III (High Beginning) | |
| ESOL Level IV (Low Intermediate) | |
| ESOL Level V (High Intermediate) | |
| ESOL Level VI (Advanced) | |
| ABE Language Arts III (Low Intermediate Language Arts) | |
| ABE Language Arts IV (High Intermediate Language Arts) | |
| ABE Language Arts V (Adult Secondary Level Language Arts) | |
| MATH 092 | Mathematical Reasoning | 5 |
| or ABE 065 | Contextualized Math II |
| ENGL 090 | Integrated Reading and Writing I | 5 |
| or ENGL 095 | Integrated Reading and Writing II |
| CCS 101 | Pathways to Success | 3 |
College Level
This certificate is a total of 39 credits.
CCS 101 Pathways to Success is a required course for all students. Skip if already taken in Pre-College.
Pathway Notes
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| CMT 100 | Survey of Advanced Manufacturing F | 5 |
| CCS 101 | Pathways to Success | 3 |
| CMT 130 | 3D Printing - Additive Manufacturing Su/F | 5 |
| CMT 101 | Introduction to Machining W | 5 |
| CMT 102 | Measurement, Materials and Safety W | 5 |
| CMT 103 | Print Reading for Machine Trades W | 3 |
| CMT 105 | Inspection/Quality Control Sp | 3 |
| CMT 106 | Fundamental of Machining Sp | 5 |
| CMT 107 | Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout Sp | 5 |
