CNC/Tool and Die Technologies CNC Set-Up/Operator Certificate Information
Important Information to Know
The CNC/Tool and Die program is offered at the West Bend campus. This is a cohort program that begins in the fall semester and is typically Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 3:00 pm.
We recommend that students attend full-time to stay with their cohort due to the progressive sequencing of courses. It is still possible to attend part-time but can take significantly longer to complete. It is important to work with me when scheduling classes, especially if you are attending part-time.
Field Day
CNC/Tool and Die students need to attend a mandatory field day in May that typically lasts 2 hours and starts at 5 p.m. This is a combination of an orientation and registration session. Watch your email for an official invite and plan to sign up.
During Field Day you’ll meet the CNC faculty and your new peers! The faculty will outline program expectations and local employers will share current industry trends. In addition, we will tour the lab/shop, provide the list of required tools, share details about College resources, and get you registered for your classes.
Attendance is required.
Tools/Uniforms
Students are required to purchase specific tools for this program. You will be given a list of required tools that are ordered through a selected vendor who gives our students a discount on the tool kits. The cost is approximately $3000.
More detailed information regarding tools is provided at the Field Day.
While a uniform is not required, for safety reasons, there is a dress code. This will be covered during Field Day, but a few examples include: no open-toed shoes, no hoodies with strings, and no shorts.
Technical Standards
CNC students must be able to complete certain activities. Below are some of the technical standards. If you are concerned with your ability to meet these or want a full list of the technical standards, it is important to talk with your advisor early. More information will be shared during the Field Day, this includes acknowledgement that you are able to perform the activities.
- Keep or regain balance, or stay upright in when in unstable position
- Ability to lift, push, pull or carry objects (minimum 50 pounds)
- Move within a confined space (between machines/benches)
- Reach above shoulders, below waist, and out front
- Ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate or assemble small objects
- Quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine tool to exact positions
- Pinch/pick/twist or otherwise use fingers (use of precision measuring instruments)
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time (8 hours+)
- Hear sounds at close range and auditory alarms
- See objects up to 20 inches away and details at close range
- Use depth perception and peripheral vision
- Feel vibrations, burrs, sharp edges, and differences in surface finishes
- Ability to smell odors coming from machines
- Ability to work indoors in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to communicate with others in a written format
- Ability to read digital displays (machine tool monitoring screen)
- Add, subtract, multiply and/or divide whole numbers, fractions and decimals
- Calibrate measuring tools
- Document numbers (gantt chart, recorded measurements, cycle time documentation)
- Ability to focus attention on task, to adapt to changing environments/stress, and adjust to the unexpected
- Accept responsibilities for own actions
- Able to use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations
- Transfer knowledge from one situation to another
- Analyze & interpret abstract and concrete data
- Ability to determine when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong
- Make decisions independently
- Respect/value diversity in others
- Function as part of a team
- Listen/comprehend spoken/written word