Also called: CNC Machinist
Runs lathes and mills that cut metal into precise aircraft and rocket parts.
You set up a machine, load a block of aluminum, run the program, and measure the finished part with micrometers. A good machinist can feel when a cut isn't right.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Machining certificate, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training.
Ways in: Trade school, Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Machine Tool Technology (trade school).
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Lights-out CNC cells and robots run more parts with fewer people; setup, first articles and tricky jobs stay human.
Classes: Machining or shop CTE, Geometry, Algebra, CAD class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-4041.
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