CNC machinists in Chicago, Illinois, are some of the highest-paid in the country. They earn an annual average salary that is 7% higher than the national average, and more often than not, they are assured of a successful career ahead of them – as long as they graduate from a quality training program.
To make things even better, the Chicago area boasts some incredible CNC machinist training programs in and around it. Of course, finding these institutions can be challenging, as is identifying the best among them.
However, you don’t have to worry because that is precisely what the resources below are for. Here, we provide a quick overview of the steps involved in becoming a CNC machinist in Chicago before diving into the top training programs in and around the city.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Chicago
In Chicago and every other city in Illinois, the basic educational requirements for aspiring CNC machinists are a high school diploma and a GED. With both of these, securing admission into an academic program becomes easier.
Training programs for CNC machinists are usually overseen by academic programs such as community colleges and vocational schools or apprenticeship programs organized by trade unions and accredited private institutions.
Completing a training program is usually enough to start practicing as a CNC machinist in Chicago. However, acquiring a CNC Machining Level I or II certification from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) can enhance job opportunities.
Top CNC Machinist Schools in Chicago, Illinois
The following are some of the most prominent CNC machinist schools in and around Chicago, Illinois.
Richard J. Daley College
For aspiring CNC machinists in the state, Richard J. Daley College (part of the City Colleges of Chicago) offers a basic certificate training program consisting of 16 credit courses. Students are prepared for a career as CNC machinists and CNC operators through courses in introduction to machining processes, CNC milling operations, CNC turning operations, and CNC fundamentals.
Students also get to opt for an elective in career development and decision-making.
Graduates of the program can go on to work in several fields, including multiple machine tool operations along with tool and die-making.
Wilbur Wright College - North Campus
Wilbur Wright College – also a part of the City Colleges of Chicago – offers two certificate programs in computer numerical control. The first is a basic certificate program with six classes and 16 credit hours.
Students who complete the basic certificate program will have a certificate and nationally recognized credentials issued by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills and the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council.
Students will be prepared to work with a handful of manufacturing employers as CNC machine operators and machinists.
The school’s other certificate CNC program is the advanced certificate program, consisting of 13 classes and 37 credit hours. Graduates of this program will also gain credentials from the NIMS and MSSC while contributing their degrees to an associate of applied science program.
Explore detailed steps and certification requirements:
Symbol Training Institute
Symbol Training Institute is a vocational school located in Chicago that offers hands-on training in a handful of industrial maintenance and CNC programs. The school offers an accelerated training program for aspiring CNC machinists wanting to acquire real-world training and classroom instructions under the tutelage of qualified instructors.
The institute also offers job placement assistance, financial aid scholarships, and grants for those who qualify.
The program’s highlight is that it is suited for both individuals who are just entering into the manufacturing award and those with prior experience in the field.
The program also offers numerous certification opportunities, including National Institute for Metalworking Skills credentials.
College of Lake County
At the College of Lake County, future CNC machinists receive training in various crucial CNC topics thanks to the Precision Machining Technology program. Interested individuals will also be glad that the National Institute for Metalworking Skills accredits the program.
Students are taught the advanced skills they need to secure employment in any metalworking and machining company, and they also get to learn credentials as they graduate.
The program can be completed in 4 months for the certificate option and 24 months for the associate degree option.
Illinois Central College
Another excellent destination for high-quality CNC machining training, Illinois Central College offers certificates in CNC machining operation. The program teaches accepted applicants key topics such as blueprint reading and CNC setup.
Students get to earn industry-recognized credentials from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills, and the program can be completed in six months for those who apply full-time.
Those who select the part-time arrangements get to work with the Student Success Advisors department to develop a suitable academic plan.
Explore nearby states for training and education:
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