Career Overview

Precision Machining 
Technology
Career Overview

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Our civilization's progress has been governed by the tools we have developed. In the earliest times, we were limited by the movements our arms and hands were capable of making. We worked metal with muscular effort and hand tools. Today, metal workers use powered machine tools to shape and form the myriad of parts which, when assembled, comprise most of the conveniences and necessities we enjoy or take for granted today. Every product known—from paper clips to a space vehicle—is a product of machine tools and the skilled people that operate or program them. Just think of all the things that you personally use or come in contact with that are made of metal.

The Precision Machining Technology Competition at SKILLS USA is based on the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) - skills standards, and is designed by industry leaders who are committed to attracting new highly skilled workers to a dignified career in precision machining.

The precision machining technical committee believes the impact of changing technology requires serious career selection thought. Industry's need for competent, technically skilled workers is greater today than ever.

Skill in machine operation is certainly valuable, however, employment in today's industry also requires theoretical knowledge and the desire to stay current with technological advances.

Anyone interested in a precision machining career must be capable of planning for the new machining concepts and calculating setups. Skill and knowledge of all phases of material processing and quality system requirements is also a necessity.

Most job descriptions for precision machining career positions require that the individual:

Possesses a knowledge of machine shop operations and setups

Has a strong background in applied mathematics

Has a knowledge of the workability of materials

Is able to interpret engineering drawings and sketches which describe shape refinements to close tolerances and finishes

Demonstrate positive attitudes toward work and interacts with fellow workers and the employer

Has a desire to understand safety requirements and develops safe work habits

The industry encourages individuals to pursue education and/or training that leads to well paying careers in a Precision Machining career area.

CONSIDER THIS:

Entry level precision machinists can average $27,000 a year during a four-year training or apprenticeship program.

Experienced precision machinists' earnings range from $40,000 to $60,000 annually.

The US government projects 2 job openings for every new certified precision machining worker through 2005.

Precision Machining provides a pratical basis for an engineering or business degree.

The dark, dirty, dangerous shops you see in historical pictures are just that...history! Today's modern shops are well lit, clean, and organized to be very safe places to work.

Computers and high technology are part of today's precision machining careers.

A good percentage of those who enter the precision machining field eventually own their own shops.

A 26 year old individual in a precision machining career could expect to be earning $41,000 annually * while a

26 year old individual with a four year Business Degree (BS) would only be earning $31,000 annually * and a

26 year old fast food worker would only be earning $13,000 annually*.
* = could vary based on location and skill level

METALWORKING CREDENTIALS

Industry has joined together with one united voice to establish the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). The Industry has developed Skills Standards for all the metalworking categories. NIMS can certify that your school based program, company training program, or consortium of employers and educators program is capable of teaching to these nationwide skills standards. NIMS also issues credentials to those individuals that demonstrate the required skills and successfully complete the knowledge assessment requirement of the NIMS process.

For more information on this Industry backed effort to improve the metalworking skills base in America, visit www.nims-skills.org or call NIMS at 1-703-352-4971

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