If you are a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a love for working with machines and operating complex instruments, a career as a CNC machinist is a very exciting one to consider.
There is abundant demand for CNC machinists in Philadelphia, and thankfully, many institutions offer high-quality training as well.
Along with technical training, the best programs also imbibe intangible skills such as safety consciousness and problem-solving skills in their students. We look below at some of the top schools in and around the city.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Philadelphia
The first step in becoming a CNC machinist in Philadelphia is enrolling in a training program. These training programs have a handful of requirements, such as the provision that candidates must be high school graduates with a diploma or have a GED equivalent in place.
Those who want to avoid going through an academic training program may acquire training on the job.
One of the benefits of acquiring on-the-job training is that sometimes, they make provisions for students to earn while they learn.
Training programs in academic institutions such as colleges and trade schools also have advantages, as they provide a very structured learning environment and certification opportunities (which can make employment easier).
Top CNC Machinist Schools in Philadelphia
Below are some of the most prominent training programs for prospective CNC machinists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
Community College of Philadelphia
Community College of Philadelphia offers a CNC Precision Machine Technology program separated into two forms. The first is the 210-hour CNC Machine program, while the second is the 625-hour CNC Precision Machining Technology program.
Both programs combine hands-on training with classroom instructions and train students to acquire the skills necessary for entry-level employment.
The school boasts skilled practitioners as instructors, covering key topics such as how to set up the machining process, CNC program operation, CNC troubleshooting, and more.
Pennsylvania College of Technology
At the Pennsylvania College of Technology, accepted applicants study to become successful CNC machinists under the tutelage of experienced instructors. This program teaches innovative manufacturing practices with an industry-driven curriculum.
Among other things, students learn blueprint reading, CNC operations, and programming fundamentals, how to set up CNC machines, and how to manage precision instruments and carry out precision measurements.
One of the program highlights is that despite the rigorous training, full-time students can complete the program in less than one year and start applying for entry-level employment immediately.
By the time they finish the program, graduates will be able to specialize in various fields, including mill applications, lathe applications, computer-aided design, quality control with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD & T), and more.
Explore detailed steps and certification requirements:
Community College of Allegheny County
The Community College of Allegheny County is a famous institution in the area known for its high-quality programs. The school’s CNC machinist program is branded as a Machine Technician program.
According to the program website, the aim is to prepare students for successful careers in manufacturing with an emphasis on precision measurement, computer-aided drafting, and overall quality.
Students will start by learning an introduction to electronics and technical computing before moving on to engineering drawing, computer-aided drafting, and introduction to lathe operations.
By the 3rd and 4th semesters, they will be taught about mill operations, grading operations, technical physics, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and introduction to parametric modeling.
All in all, students will need 63 credits to graduate and can go on to secure employment in several industries.
Erie Institute of Technology
The Erie Institute of Technology is another wonderful destination to obtain CNC machinist training for aspiring CNC machinists in Philadelphia. The program strives to keep up with the radically changing manufacturing industry by teaching students complex 3D manufacturing, computer-aided design, CNC milling, and CNC turning, among others.
Students also learn how to set up and run CNC machines effectively and develop problem-solving and troubleshooting techniques to serve them well once they secure employment.
Notable mentions
Other notable institutions to acquire high-quality CNC machinist training in the area include:
- Central Pennsylvania College of Technology offers a manufacturing technology program for precision machinists,
- the Westmoreland County Community College with a degree, diploma, and four certificate options in machining technology,
- The Northampton Community College offers Precision Machining training that can be completed in 256 hours spanning 18 weeks,
- The Johnson College of Technology provides hands-on CNC machinist training and
- the Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center, also offering hands-on CNC machinist training.
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