Precision Machining Technician

Why Precision Machining Technician?

Machinists transform raw material into precise, highly engineered components used across aerospace, medical, military, and manufacturing industries. In this program, you’ll learn to shape materials into intricate, functional parts using a range of tools and technologies. You’ll gain experience reading blueprints, selecting tools, planning sequences of operation, and working with both manual and computer numerical control (CNC) equipment.

At Mid-State, you will train in the Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology and Apprenticeship (AMETA^®) Center, learning directly from instructors with industry experience. You’ll work with lathes, mills, grinders, and CNC machines while developing the accuracy, craftsmanship, and technical skill employers demand. This program prepares you for entry-level machining roles and builds a solid foundation for advancement into quality assurance, tool making, or supervisory positions.

Develop the precision and craftsmanship needed to produce high-tolerance parts.
Operate modern machining equipment, including CNC machines used across industry.
Apply problem-solving skills to plan machining steps and verify accuracy.
Train through lab-based projects that reflect real manufacturing workflows.
Learn from expert instructors with extensive hands-on machining experience.
Advance into high-demand roles with opportunities for long-term career growth.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

53-54 Credits

Degree Type

Technical Degree

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

In Person

Location

AMETA^® Center

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$11,736.90

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Advanced Machine Operator

CNC Machine Operator

CNC Programmer

Job Shop Machinist

Quality Control Technician

$50k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $50,198. Source: Lightcast Data Set

554

Average Monthly Hires

554 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

100%

Mid-State Graduate Satisfaction Rate

Students leave proud, prepared, and confident in what comes next. Source: Mid-State Graduate Survey Results

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Following is the list of courses within the program. Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See the program information guide below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Full-Time Curriculum (53-54 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: (15-16)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
31804305 or 10804107	Applied Math or College Mathematics	No or Yes 2	or 3
32420311	Safety, Measurement and Layout	No	1
32420326	Introduction to Turning Machines	No	2
32420329	Intermediate Turning Applications	No	5
32420331	Print Reading for Precision Machining	No	2
32420373	CNC Lathes Set Up and Operation	Yes	2
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1

Term 2: (12 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
31801368	Workplace Communication	No	1
32420310	Introduction to Solid Modeling	No	2
32420337	Introduction to Milling Machines	No	2
32420340	Intermediate Milling Applications	No	5
32420374	CNC Mills Set Up and Operation	Yes	2

Term 3: (12 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
32420325	Inspection with Geometric Dimensioning	No	2
32420330	Advanced Turning Applications	No	3
32420332	Materials and Machinability	No	2
32420362	CNC Lathes/Manual Programming	Yes	2
32444377	CNC Lathes Computer Aided Programming	No	2
32623301	Manufacturing Principles	No	1

Term 4: (14 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
32420341	Advanced Milling Applications	No	3
32420364	CNC Mills/Manual Programming	No	2
32420380	Multi-Asix Manual Processes	No	3
32444378	CNC Mills Computer Aided Programming	No	3
32444379	Advanced CNC Milling Operations	No	3

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Mike Berry, BS
Mike earned his bachelor’s degree from UW–Stout and is a certified journey worker machinist. He has worked for local manufacturers and maintains constant contact with industry leaders, giving him a real-life understanding of what they need from their employees.

“Teaching at Mid-State allows me to give back to a trade I have found so much satisfaction in being a part of.”

Joe Byczynski
Joe earned his Journeyman Machinist license from Northcentral Technical College and his technical diploma in machine tool operations from Mid-State Technical College. His extensive experience includes working in the metal manufacturing sector since 1987, where his roles included everything from project manager to shop owner.

“Being a Precision Machining Technician instructor is a great way for me to utilize my unique experiences and pass my knowledge on to the future generation of machinists.”

Kerry Duckart, BS
Kerry earned his Machine Tool Technician technical diploma from Mid-State Technical College in 2002. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from UW-Stout in business management with emphasis in operations management. His 17 years of industry experience include five years in a local machine job and 12 years working for an OEM company where he advanced to machine shop manager.

“I love having the opportunity to teach skills that have allowed me a successful career as a machinist.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Apply basic safety practices in the machine shop.
Interpret industrial/engineering drawings.
Apply precision measuring methods to parts inspection.
Perform basic machine tool equipment setup and operation.
Perform programming, setup, and operation of CNC machine tools.
Perform advanced CNC machining operations.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad
“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad
“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad
“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.
Mid-State Grad