Machine Tool Technology

Career Opportunities

 What does a machinist do?

Machinists are needed in virtually any business or industry where machines are manufactured, repaired or used. This includes large machine shops in factories and government departments and small job shops in both urban and rural settings. To assemble precision products, machinists work closely with welders, tool and die makers and millwrights.

The variety of work involved, coupled with the range of fields open to machinists, makes specialization within this trade fairly common. As precise and detailed work is a large part of a machinist's job, the industry is seeing an increased use of computer controlled machinery. This means machinists must be comfortable working with advanced equipment and continually look at upgrading their skills. Experienced machinists may advance to positions such as inspector foreman or superintendent. Some machinists start small job shops of their own. With additional training they may transfer their skills to related occupations such as Tool and Die Maker or Millwright. Additionally they may become certified as CNC Mechanists who are also found working in industrial or commercial sectors such as manufacturing, fabrication and assembly plants.