One of the most important components of a machining program is the CNC training. CNC stands for computer numerical control, and a competent CNC operator requires knowledge in mathematics, and a strong understanding of CNC tools and how they are programmed and operated. The West Kentucky Community & Technical College offers a specific CNC Operator certificate that is earned on the way to one of the CNC Machinist or Machinist diplomas. An associate degree in Machine Tool Technology is available from this school. The program for the degree includes ample CNC education and the certificate. Other machine shop schools concentrate a large portion of the programs on CNC control and operation.
Machine Tool Operation courses, like that in the technical diploma offered by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, are meant to provide a more wide ranging skill set than the CNC-specific programs offered in some schools. A person with this degree still has strong CNC basics, and could find a job as a CNC operator, but is also well-suited to jobs like machine tool operator, set-up operator or general work in any automotive machine shop.
Some schools offer a degree that prepares the student for work in a very specialized type of machine shop. Central Piedmont Community College has several programs in machining technology aimed at a more general machining background, but also offers a Machining Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Motorsports Machining Certificate. This includes CNC and basic shop techniques, but specifically trains the student for a job in motorsports machining upon graduation.
The ITT Technical Institute offers a bachelor degree in Industrial Automation Engineering Technology. This degree includes basic machining and CNC instruction, but also expands upon the student's education to provide him with a more complete picture of the automation processes used in manufacturing. This provides a student with a positive career outlook in automotive technician and manufacturing jobs, but also equips her for work across the manufacturing industry through a deeper understanding of robotics, machining and computer assisted manufacturing.