Thanks to CNC machines, manufacturers can carry out operations that were practically impossible until a few years ago. Thanks to CNC machinists, these machines can get the care, maintenance, and best-practice handling needed to operate consistently at their optimal level.
To perform their jobs to the fullest potential, all aspiring CNC machinists in Jacksonville, Florida, must obtain training from a quality institution.
If you fall into these shoes and have trouble finding the best institutions to enroll in, you have come to the right page.
Below, you will find the most prominent of these alternatives and a quick overview of what is expected on your journey to becoming a CNC machinist in Jacksonville.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Jacksonville
Before becoming a CNC machinist in Jacksonville, Florida, it is advisable to have your high school diploma or GED ready. This will make the entire process, from enrolling in a training program to securing employment, much more accessible.
After having one of these credentials, enrolling in an actual training program is next. Training for CNC machinists can be obtained from a college, trade/vocational school, or an on-the-job training initiative.
After graduation, prospective CNC machinists may take certification exams to acquire additional credentials before officially seeking employment.
Top CNC Machinist Schools in Jacksonville, Florida
The following are some of the most prominent institutions in Jacksonville to obtain CNC machinist education:
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College is one of the top destinations that come to mind regarding CNC machinist training for aspiring CNC machinists in Jacksonville. The CNC Machinist Technical Certificate program is of concern, a subset of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechanical Design and Fabrication.
The technical certificate program follows the essential core principles used in the associate degree program, teaching extensively fundamental principles of various machines such as lathes, milling machines, grinders, shapers, drill presses, and more.
Instructors stress the importance of understanding and demonstrating basic and advanced machining and basic CNC programming skills. The 12 credit courses included in the program were designed to imbue this principle into the students.
Lake Tech College
Lake Tech College offers in-depth training in CNC production to train future CNC production specialists with advanced knowledge of the machining industry. The program includes 600 clock hours, lasting for approximately 20 weeks.
Experienced instructors teach crucial topics such as shop safety, shop mathematics, sheet setup, proper fixturing and tooling, CNC programming, and more.
The main courses are the CNC Production Technician I and CNC Production Technician II, each lasting 300 hours.
To be admitted, candidates must take a basic skills assessment test to determine their proficiency. According to the program website, the school has 71% completion and 83% placement rates.
Explore detailed steps and certification requirements:
Hillsborough Community College
Hillsborough Community College has a CNC machinist (CCC) certificate program designed to prepare students for employment in the manufacturing industry, specifically working on 3D computer-aided designs.
Those who wish to contribute their 12 credits earned during the program to an associate degree in engineering technology may do so once they graduate.
Students will be taught crucial topics such as introduction to 3D computer-aided design, manufacturing processes and materials, and the fundamentals of computer numerical control.
Pensacola State College
Pensacola State College is another extraordinary institution in Florida offering a technical certificate for CNC machinists and fabricators. The program follows the core principles of the Mechanical Design and Fabrication Associate of Science degree program.
Students learn about mills and lathes and how to use CNC plasma cutters. Graduates may secure employment immediately or use the credits to pursue a two-year associate degree program.
The technical certificate program can be completed in one year, making it a fast way to begin a career in the field. Additional skills to be learned include aircraft sheet metal riveting, manual machining and production, metal fabrication, and more.
Notable Mentions
Other notable destinations for acquiring high-quality CNC machinist training include:
- Broward College has a technical certificate program requiring 15 credits that can be completed in 8 weeks,
- Eastern Florida State College with a certificate program that can be leveraged for an associate in science degree program and
- Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida, with a CNC machinist certificate program that also includes training in HAAS lathe, HAAS Mill, and machine shop operations.
Explore Nearby States for Education and Training:
Related Articles
Related Careers
Top Schools Near Me
