Machining

Skilled craftspeople are behind the machines that make industry work. Machinists use precision tools to create metal parts used everywhere from airplanes to medical devices. Refine your skill set in FRCC's Center for Integrated Manufacturing where you'll have access to industry-leading technology and an experiential-focused education. Take classes full-time or on nights and weekends to jumpstart a rewarding career in this high-demand field.

Why Study Machining at Front Range Community College?

Colorado companies need machinists, but they can't find enough people with the skills to take those jobs. You'll get the hands-on training to claim one of those spots at FRCC's Center for Integrated Manufacturing (CIM).

As a machinist, you'll work with your hands to craft critical components. But you'll also visualize 3-D solutions to determine the best way to make those parts. In FRCC's cutting-edge Center for Integrated Manufacturing, you'll learn to use CAD/CAM software to design parts and operate high-tech machine tools to make them. Through your studies in the CIM, you'll rely on the same equipment used at the companies where you may eventually work.

If you like building things, using your hands and solving problems, a machining career may fit your future.

Program Options

Manual Machining Certificate

Program Location: Boulder County (Center for Integrated Manufacturing)

Total Credits: 16 credits (1 semester)

You'll learn to work with lathes and mills—the heart of a machinist's trade—in this certificate program. Experts will teach you about safety procedures, bench tools, layout tools, power equipment, precision measurement, and hand tools. You'll learn to read blueprints, as well as interpret symbols, notes, dimensions, and tolerances.

View Program Details

CNC Machining Certificate

Program Location: Boulder County (Center for Integrated Manufacturing)

Total Credits: 18 credits (2 semesters)

As a CNC machinist, you'll program automated lathes and mills to make parts. Faculty with industry experience will teach you skills in computer-aided design/computer-aided machining (CAD/CAM) for 2-axis machining, 3-axis wireframe and surface modeling, lathe programming, and direct numerical control (DNC) systems.

View Program Details

Precision Machining Technology Certificate

Program Location: Boulder County (Center for Integrated Manufacturing)

Total Credits: 34 credits (3 semesters)

You'll earn this certificate once you successfully complete the Manual Machining and CNC Machining certificates. This full-time program will prepare you for an entry-level job in machining and manufacturing.

View Program Details

Fast-Track Machining Training

Program Location: Boulder County (Center for Integrated Manufacturing)

Total Credits: N/A (non-credit classes)

We've collaborated with dozens of Northern Colorado manufacturers to develop accelerated classes that give you new skills, fast. These part-time, non-credit classes can introduce you to the field or teach advanced techniques.

View Program Details

Career Possibilities

Machinists in Colorado are in demand: By some estimates, manufacturers in the state will need to boost their workforce by 30% by the end of the decade. The training you get at FRCC will prepare you for work as a tool and die maker, CNC operator, or machine builder. Many of our grads find jobs in the aerospace, automotive, medical products or computer industries, to name just a few.