Computer Numerical Control

As machinery becomes more technologically advanced, people must operate and write the programs that control machines. Have a passion for machinery? Interested in taking your skills to the next level as the landscape changes? Take advantage of the District’s programs in Computer Numerical Control.

Earning an Associate of Applied Science or a short-term certificate in Computer Numerical Control will help prepare you for the changes in factories making metal and plastic materials. In our program, students learn:  

• Modern methods of machine tool operation
• How to write and edit computer numerical control machine programs
• Machine setup, cutter diameter, and length compensation setting
• Hands-on machine shop training 

What do CNC Operators and Programmers do? 

Computer numerically controlled machine tool programmers and operators develop and write the computer programs that control the automatic machine tools, equipment, and systems that process metal and plastic parts.  

Where do they work?

Computer numerical control operators and programmers work in factories that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for machinists is expected to remain steady over the next decade, and more opportunities will be available for workers who can navigate modernized machine shops.