CNC Machinist Schools in Connecticut

Aspiring CNC machinists in Connecticut must acquire the technical skills needed to work with complex CNC machines. They must also possess transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking.

State residents who would like to learn all of the major requirements to start a CNC machinist career will find the answers to their questions below. They will discover the basic prerequisites to secure admission into a training program and the most notable programs to consider.

They will also understand the different educational pathways, certification possibilities for career growth, and the annual average salary figures to expect at various career points.

How to Become a CNC Machinist in Connecticut

These are the steps involved in becoming a CNC machinist in the state of Connecticut:

High School Diploma

While not required by law, employers of CNC machinists in Alaska usually prefer to hire candidates with a high school diploma or GED over those without. The profession also requires a strong knowledge of foundational mathematics and computer literacy.

As for basic skills and attributes, candidates with good concentration, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities who can work alone have a greater chance of succeeding as CNC machinists.

Training Destinations

There are three broad categories of training destinations for aspiring CNC machinists in Alaska. They include:

Academic Programs

Any CNC machinist training program offered by a community college or a technical school is considered an academic program. A common pattern with such programs is an emphasis on classroom training.

Of course, it is also common for such programs to provide hands-on training with actual CNC machines. They do this through laboratories, workshops, and collaboration with apprenticeship programs.

Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeship programs are geared towards hands-on training. They often take longer than short-term academic programs, but they ensure that candidates know what to expect on the job when they graduate.

On-the-Job Training

Some employers often offer prospective CNC machinists the opportunity to learn while working. This opportunity is usually afforded to candidates with prior experience in the field.

They will then be hired to assist and learn from experienced CNC machinists until they can work independently.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Become a welder in Connecticut

Licensure & Certification Requirements

CNC machinists in Connecticut are not expected to receive a state license to start their careers. However, they may choose to become certified to enjoy several career benefits.

Some of these benefits include increasing employability, enhancing professional image, offering networking opportunities, and making career advancement easier.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills is arguably the most prominent organization offering nationally recognized credentials for CNC machinists in the state and across the country. Some available options include the CNC Set-up Programmer credential, the Certified Journeyworker credential, and the NIMS Certified Machinist credential.

Candidates must pass both a written and a practical examination to obtain these credentials.

Top CNC Machinist Schools in Connecticut

Below are some top-class CNC machinist training programs for candidates in Connecticut to consider.

Explore CNC machinist schools in Connecticut by city:

• CNC machinist schools in Bridgeport

Salary & Career Outlook

Aspiring CNC machinists in Connecticut may expect to earn an annual average salary of $82,951. As they continue to get more familiar with the job, their annual average salary may rise to around $107,830 — the relevant number for the highest-paid CNC machinists in the state.

Some may start lower, with an annual average salary of $63,812, about the bottom 10%.

As expected, location influences Connecticut’s CNC machinist’s annual average salary.

Some relevant cities with the highest numbers are Berlin, where CNC machinists earn an annual average salary of $89,701; Manchester, where they earn an annual average salary of $86,668; and South Windsor, with an annual average salary of $85,194.

Other relevant factors to consider are experience, specialty, company of employment, and professional credentials.