Prepare for a career in Machine Trades
Machine Trades is an in-demand career with competitive salaries and advancement opportunities.
Overview
Machinists often work in machine shops, producing precision component parts. Through Lower Columbia College's Machine Trades program, you will gain an understanding of precision measuring instruments, the ability to read and understand blueprints, and how to use various tools in machining operations. While you are a student, you will learn to operate and calibrate precision tooling machines such as milling machines, grinders, lathes, and drilling machines.
Computer Numerical Control training enables skilled tradesmen to program machines to create mass produced parts for production, repair, and research.
Prepare for a job as a machinist, millwright, and tool and die maker, or another occupation related to manufacturing through LCC's Machine Trades program. Graduates may work as advanced apprentice machinists, machine operators, or programmers.
Programs Offered
Computer Numerical Control
Certificate of Proficiency (COP)
Program Map(s) for this program
Machine Trades
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Program Map(s) for this program
Machine Trades for LCC BAS-OLTM
Associate in Applied Science - Transfer (AAS-T)
Program Map(s) for this program
Machinist
Certificate of Proficiency (COP)
Program Map(s) for this program
In addition to Tuition & Fees, the following equipment is required at the student's expense:
- A Tool Set* - Printable list of required tools and potential vendors
- Safety Glasses*
*Students may purchase safety glasses and the machine trades tool kit through the LCC bookstore.
The faculty at LCC strongly recommend purchasing high quality tools that will support your future career. If there are questions regarding the required tool list, please reach out to an LCC Machine Trades Instructor, Nathan Shepherd at nshepherd@lowercolumbia.edu or (360) 442-2746.
Add the following new skills to your resume in two short years:
- Industrial Communications
- Industrial Math
- First Aid, CPR, and Bloodborne Pathogens
- Machinist Blueprint reading
- Machine Shop I, II, and III
- CNC Machining Center Fundamentals
- CNC Turning Center Fundamentals
- CNC Milling
- CNC Turning
- Industrial safety
- Advanced CNC Processes
- Manufacturing Processes
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing
- Technology Principles
The machine trades path can lead to a long-term career with a good salary, job advancement opportunities, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
Look for the following career/job openings:
- Machinist
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
- Rolling Machine Setters/Operators and Tenders
- Milling and Planning Machine Setters/Operators and Tenders
- Forging Machine Setters/Operators and Tenders
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters/Operators
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters/Operators
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters/Operators
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters/Operators
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Setters/Operators
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Unsure of your Career Pathway? We're Here to Help!
Visit our Career Services webpage to get started, or call (360) 442-2330 for help with your career search.
Career Services in Admissions Center
lowercolumbia.edu/careerservices
(360) 442-2330
careers@lowercolumbia.edu