Precision Machining Technician

Technical Diploma
Manufacturing Cluster Icon

Why choose Precision Machining Technician?

  • Machinists create nearly perfect parts for use in aerospace, medical, military, and food industries.
  • Machinists also operate and repair custom machining.
  • Machining is a great career for those with attention to detail and mechanical aptitude.
  • Infusion of new technology into the field has increased the need for skilled machinists today.
  • Get the training you need to get started in a machining position. Additional training and experience often lead to advanced positions including quality technician, supervisor, and business owner.
A machinist starts with a piece of raw material, then cuts material away through multiple processes to create an object of great utility and precision. That object is a part to be used in manufacturing, and it must be nearly perfect. How perfect? Usually within 0.010 inches (0.25 mm) and sometimes at tolerances as low as 0.0001 inches.

Program Locations

AMETA™ Center
5000 Coye Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481

What You'll Learn

The Precision Machining Technician program prepares graduates for machining positions, an in-demand skill set at the heart of industrial production. Additional training and experience often lead to supervisory, quality assurance, and tool maker positions.

In this program you will learn to shape various materials into intricate, precise, usable parts. You’ll also work from blueprints and written specifications to select the proper machinery, materials, and tools, and you’ll gain proficiency with machine tools such as lathes, mills, grinders, computers, and computerized numerical control (CNC) machines.

Outcomes

  • 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

  • Behave Responsibly:  Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
  • Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
  • Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
  • Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
  • Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility

Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.

Estimated Entire Program Cost

Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.

  • Tuition & Fees: $10,368.44
  • Books: $533.00
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
  • Total Estimated Cost: $10,901.44

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is eligible for full Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending. 

This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.

Term: 1
  Catalog# Title Credits
  32420331 Print Reading for Precision Machining 2
  32420326 Introduction to Turning Machines 2
  32420373 CNC Lathes Set Up and Operation  2
  32420311 Safety, Measurement and Layout 1
  32420329 Intermediate Turning Applications 5
  31804305 Applied Mathematics 2
-or- 10804107 College Mathematics  3
  Term Total   14-15 Credits
       
Term: 2
  Catalog# Title Credits
  32420310 Introduction to Solid Modeling 2
  32420337 Introduction to Milling Machines 2
  32420374 CNC Mills Set Up and Operation  2
  32420340 Intermediate Milling Applications 5
  31801368 Workplace Communication  1
  Term Total   12 Credits
       
Term: 3
  Catalog# Title Credits
  32420332 Materials and Machinability 2
  32623301 Manufacturing Principles 1
  32420325 Inspection with Geometric Dimensioning 2
  32420362 CNC Lathes/Manual Programming  2
  32444377 CNC Lathes Computer Aided Programming 2
  32420330 Advanced Turning Applications 3
  Term Total   12 Credits
       
Term: 4
  Catalog# Title Credits
  32420380 Multi-Axis Machining Processes 3
  32420364 CNC Mills/Manual Programming 2
  32444378 CNC Mills Computer Aided Programming 3
  32444379 Advanced CNC Milling Operations 3
  32420341 Advanced Milling Applications 3
  Term Total   14 Credits
       
  Program Total   52-53 Credits

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, TD

Kerry earned his Machine Tool Technician technical diploma from Mid-State Technical College in 2002. His 17 years of industry experience include five years in a machine shop and 12 years working for an OEM company where he advanced to machine shop manager. He is currently working on his bachelor’s degree.

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

Careers

  • Advanced Machine Operator
  • CNC Machine Operator
  • Job Shop Machinist 
  • Apprenticeship
  • CNC Operator
  • CNC Programmer
  • Machine Operator
  • Machinist
  • Maintenance Machinist
  • Tool Room Machinist
  • Quality Control Technician
  • Metrology Technician

Video

Fast-Track

High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.

“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 ANDERSON
GRADUATE

Choose Your Path

Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

Precision Machining Technician Program Pathway