Training for a Precise Industry
Manufacturing Technology at CBC
As a student in the Manufacturing Department, you’ll work with high-tech precision machines in a state-of-the-art facility. You can transition this skillset into a variety of settings, including aerospace, medical and defense industries, as well as research laboratories and custom parts manufacturers.
What is a machinist?
Machinists operate industrial equipment to take raw stock material and produce functional and working parts based on a blueprint or drawing. Our program starts with a foundation of manual machining on equipment such as lathes, milling machines and grinding machines, with an introduction to CNC machining in Spring quarter to help our students gain summer employment in the industry. During the second year, students learn to operate CNC (Computer Numeric Control) Machines using sophisticated software and 3D modeling, including our brand new 5-axis CNC Vertical Mill.
Students spend most of their time in the lab, working on class projects that teach all three stages of the production process:
- Design: Read blueprints to extract the important information needed to manufacture the part. In more advanced class, learn to use a 3D solid modeling system and design the part.
- Operation: Perform all the necessary operations to manufacture the part within the specified tolerances.
- Quality Control: Use sophisticated inspection equipment, such as computer coordinated measuring machines, to ensure parts are in tolerance and of quality standards.
Depending on your personal goals, you can earn short term or one-year certificates or continue your studies to earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Precision Machining Technology AAS (6 quarters)
Students will gain knowledge in the following areas:
- Blue print reading
- Manual machining
- CNC machining
- Solidworks software and 3D modeling
- Welding (optional)
We also offer four certificate options:
Manual Machining Short Term Certificate (1 quarter)
Manual Machining One-Year Certificate (3 quarters)
Introduction to CNC Short Term Certificate (1 quarter)
Solid Modeling for Manufacturing Short Term Certificate (2 quarters PT)
All AAS degrees require four general education classes—Math, English, Human Relations, Communication—and that students achieve a minimum grade of 2.0 in major course to continue enrollment.
Machining is required to manufacture the parts and assemblies necessary for the products we use in our everyday lives. Our program prepares you for many jobs in the manufacturing industry including:
- Machinist
- CNC Machinist, Programmer or Operator
- Tool and Die Machinist
- Millwright
- Quality Control Inspector
- Model Maker
- CAD/CAM Designer and Programmer
In WA state
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Wages
- $30/hour average wage
- $61,800/year average salary
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Job Market
- 6967 machinists currently
- 936 openings per year
The Manufacturing Technology program is a full-time, in-person, commitment as a student. The program includes both lecture and lab classes, with approximately 70% of class time spent in the lab, learning the hands-on skills required for this industry.
To allow for this intensive lab time, this program runs on a cohort model—a group of students all begin at the same time and follow the course progression together. The average lab class size is 8. Manufacturing has a Fall start cohort. Please see the links below for a full academic map of the program.
If you wish to enroll in the program, you must be able to attend all classes in the schedule as a full-time student.
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Typical Schedule
Morning: Mon-Thurs 7 to 11:30 am
Afternoon: Mon-Thurs 10:30 am to 4 pm
In addition to regular CBC tuition and fees, the Manufacturing Technology Program has a $7.00/credit shop fee on all classes and a $25.00/course fee on the Solidworks courses.
Please note that tuition estimates are based on average program enrollment and that individual costs can vary.
Our programs are eligible for both federal and state financial aid, including grants, loans, and work study options. You may also be eligible for scholarships and Workforce Education Center grants—don’t miss the chance to apply.
Visit the Pay for College page for more information on tuition, financial aid, WEC, and scholarships.
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS)
- Students are eligible to receive up to $1,500 per quarter during the duration of their associate degree or certificate program.
- The scholarship is available to students of any age who are out of work, looking to reskill, begin or continue their education and training for a STEM or high-demand trade.
- Residency requirements may apply
The award funding is flexible and may be used for costs beyond tuition, including transportation, food and housing. - Applications are accepted quarterly.
Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) Scholarship
- Scholarships are open to all students pursuing degrees that will lead to a career in a manufacturing related industry.
- Awards range from $1,500 to $2,500 per students.
- Sponsored by the Nuts and Bolts Foundation.
- Scholarship funds are applied directly to tuition and fees.
Tools for the program will cost approximately $1500 for each year of the program. Financial aid and scholarships can be used to purchae tools. This will be reviewed in detail with you during your program orientation.
Long pants or work style shorts and non-slip closed toe shoes are required for class.
Program Admission is done on a first come, first served basis for those who have attended an information session and are ready to register for classes.
Information sessions are held in March, April, and May for all Fall cohorts.
Please visit our CTE events page for all upcoming information sessions and details on the admissions process.
For more about student and program expectations, please see our student policies.
Get Started |
| Apply to CBC |
| Talk to a CTE Completion Coach about our programs |
| Review CBC Tuitions and Fees |
| Find ways to Pay for College |
| Understand the CTE admissions process |
