Machining Technology
About the Program
The program prepares students for employment in machine shops, manufacturing facilities and in the maintenance of industrial plants.
AWARD TYPES: Certificate Level 1, Associate of Applied Science, Certificate Level 2
AREA OF STUDY: Construction Industry & Manufacturing
Degrees and Certificates
Learn more about the Degrees and Certificates offered by this program by visiting the HCC Catalog.
View Degrees & Certificates by ProgramProgram Outcomes
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Demonstrate knowledge of Safety Rules and Regulations as they apply to a machining environment.
Interpret and Decode Information Found in Blueprints, Specifications, and Applicable Documents Related to Machining Projects.
Exhibit knowledge in the proper use, selection, and applications of machine equipment and measuring instruments.
Fabricate parts and components utilizing information provided in blueprints and specifications.
Program Information
General Requirements
The Machining Technology program is designed to meet the industry’s continued and growing need for trained machine operators and programmers. The program prepares students for employment in machine shops, manufacturing facilities and in the maintenance of industrial plants. The AAS degree in Machining Technology is designed to develop competent support technicians for employment in the field of machine shop and related occupations. The curricula are based on the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) recommendation to provide a broad-based education with opportunities for specific employment and personal interest goals.
The laboratories have more than twenty pieces of equipment such as manual lathes, drilling and milling machines, hydraulic and pneumatic trainers. Additionally, a computer lab is equipped with sixty personal computers with up-to-date training materials.
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
Accreditation
Accredited by the The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
NIMS accreditation is the nation's only distinction for excellence in metalworking training as based on NIMS industry-written, industry-approved skills standards. Accredited programs demonstrate the ability to produce skilled, work-ready individuals that fulfill industry's 21st Century workforce needs.
Employment
There are 14,095 Machinists employed in the Greater Houston Area. This number is expected to increase by 13.4% over the next four years.
- The estimated annual job openings is 939 jobs a year.
- Median Wages - $19.36 hourly, $68,000 annually
Texas Education Association (TEA) Industry Based Certification Resource
| Certification Name | TEA Resource Link | Third-Party Certification Agency | Third-Party Certification Agency Website |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Machining Level 1 - CNC Milling: Operations |
https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/ | NIMS (National Institute for Metal Working Skills) | https://nims-skills.org/credentials/cnc-mill-operations |
| Certification Name | TEA Resource Link | Third-Party Certification Agency | Third-Party Certification Agency Website |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Machining Level 1 - Measurement, Material & Safety |
https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/ | NIMS (National Institute for Metal Working Skills) | https://nims-skills.org/credentials/measurement-materials-safety |
Marketable Skills
Learn more about the marketable skills—skills valued by employers that can be applied in variety of work settings—so you can communicate these to potential employers. Click on the relevant award title below to see descriptions of marketable skills for that area.
Career Opportunities
Explore real-time labor market data on occupations you may pursue post-graduation, offering insight into career opportunities, potential earnings, and job demand in the Greater Houston region.
For more in-depth information about this career and other career pathways, visit Career Coach.
Resources
Search for a Machining Technology Professor or request more information
Get in touch
Alberto Urbina, Dean
Material Science & Smart Manufacturing