Machine Tool Technology

Tour OCC's Machine Lab

 

Career Paths: Succeed With Far-Ranging Skills 

As a Machine Tool Technology student, you learn: 

• Cutting principles 
• Programming techniques 
• Computer controls 
• CNC (computer numerical control) machine tool operations  
• CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) systems 

These portable skills prepare you for success in key manufacturing roles, including machinist and tool and die maker. You may also pursue these career paths: 

• Millwright (Detroit metro area annual average salary: $76,920) 
• General maintenance and repair worker (Detroit metro area annual average salary: $39,330) 

With additional education, on-the-job training, and work experience, you may be promoted to these positions: 

• Industrial production manager (Detroit metro area annual average salary: $108,990) 
• Industrial engineer (Detroit metro area annual average salary: $85,410) 
• Engineering technologist and technician (Detroit metro area annual average salary: $76,920) 

Earn Good-Paying & Meaningful Credentials 

Newly-minted high school grads, professionals looking for a career change — our program welcomes everyone. We’re here to help you pursue a successful career in machine tool technology. 

Associate Degree 

Choose the degree option if you want to learn everything you can about machine tool technology while also preparing for higher pay and stronger career advancement opportunities. 

You complete 64 credit hours of major requirements, general education courses, electives, and other supporting courses. If you attend on a full-time basis, you can complete the degree in five semesters. 

For more info, see: 

• Associate Degree Admission & Course Requirements 

You graduate with an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree, fully prepared to: 

• Begin work in entry-level machinist, tool and die maker, or CNC operator and programmer roles 
• Transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree

Certificate 

You complete 36 credit hours of major requirements, supporting courses, and one math course. If you attend on a full-time basis, you can complete the certificate in four semesters. 

For more info, see: 

• Certificate Admission & Course Requirements 

A Program Designed for Your Success 

Industry Experts: Part of Your Team 

Representatives from local employers serve on our advisory board and keep our classes aligned with industry changes — and they show up here, in the classes you take, meeting you, seeing how you learn and handle the machines. Companies participating on our advisory board include: 

• Enmark Tool 
• FEV, Inc. North American Technical Center 
• IQ Manufacturing 
• Knight Global 
• Oakland Schools OSTC-NE 
• P&G Technologies, Inc. 
• United CNC Machining 

In addition to helping us maintain a fresh curriculum, advisory board members also welcome our students as apprentices. 

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"After a few months into the program my instructor gave me the phone number of a local shop that was looking to hire an apprentice. I went for an interview and got a job as a CNC Operator. Since then I have continued to make my journey through the machine tool technology program and am able to apply what I learn at school to what I do at work."
- Daniel C., Current OCC Student

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Take the Next Steps 

Ready to begin your studies? Get started now: 

• Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
• On the application select the certificate program ‘Machine Tool Technology’.
• Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Change of Program Form.

More to Explore

Considering Machine Tool Technology?  You might also be interested in these programs.