Tuition: $3,500 (Funding assistance may be available with registration)
Class Dates: January 26 - April 29, 2027
Tuesdays and Thursdays • 5:30 - 8:30 PM
*Class will not be held March 29 - April 2 (Spring break)
Location: NCMC Martin Jahn Technology Center Manufacturing Lab
Petoskey, MI 49770
Format: Hybrid program with 150 instructional hours, including 84 lab hours of scheduled in-person instruction and 66 hours of required online learning. The program includes 28 class meetings across 14 instructional weeks (with one additional calendar week for spring break).
Build Practical CNC Machining Skills
Machinists set up and operate machine tools to produce precision parts. This program combines technical instruction with hands-on experience in machining, computer numerical control (CNC) programming, setup, operation, and inspection.
In a simulated machine shop in our Manufacturing Lab, you will work through manufacturing jobs using drawings, work instructions, setup sheets, and inspection records. You will learn how manufacturing parts move from a drawing to a finished product. Practical projects and individual performance assessments help you demonstrate your skills while building a foundation for employment or advancement in manufacturing.
Program Competencies
- Manufacturing Fundamentals and Professional Practice: Apply shop safety, machining math, material knowledge, and professional work habits. Use introductory manual machining to understand tool motion, workholding, cutting forces, and measurement.
- Measurement, Quality, and Inspection: Interpret manufacturing drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and introductory geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). Select and use measuring instruments, document inspection results, and interpret basic process variation.
- CNC Programming, Setup, and Operation: Read and edit introductory G-code and M-code programs and explore computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Practice CNC mill and lathe setup, workholding, work and tool offsets, program verification, prove-out, and first-piece inspection.
- CNC Manufacturing Process Application: Complete a job from drawing and process planning through machining and inspection. Use job travelers, setup sheets, and inspection records while applying troubleshooting, teamwork, workplace organization (5S), and continuous improvement practices.
Certificates and Digital Badges: Students who meet the applicable coursework and assessment requirements can earn:
- NCMC Fast Track CNC Machinist Certificate
- Haas Basic Mill Operator Certificate
- Haas Basic Lathe Operator Certificate
- Four NCMC digital competency badges, corresponding to the program competencies above
- Digital NCMC Fast Track CNC Machinist Program Completion badge
Badges recognize demonstrated learning and provide a way to share achievements with employers and professional networks. Haas certifications require successful completion of the applicable certification requirements.
Regional wages and Career Outlook
Based on the current data, which was gathered from seven Northern Michigan counties, the current Regional Median Wage for Machinists is $52,800.
Source: Lightcast Q4 2026, Occupation Overview: Machinists, SOC 51-4041/
Credit for Prior Learning
Students who complete the program and required Haas certifications may qualify for Manufacturing 100 credit through NCMC's Credit for Prior Learning process, subject to college requirements and approval.
Support for Your Next Step
Fast Track students have access to:
- Assistance with grant opportunities that may help cover tuition
- NCMC facilities and learning resources, including fitness center, library, Campus Cupboard, and more
- Assistance with job placement
