Search | Menu Start your career with the Invitation to Manufacturing Program for CNC Machining and Welding
This free 8-week program provides hands-on training in focused areas of manufacturing. Choose a specialty in CNC machining or metal fabrication and be on your way to a high-demand, high-paying career. No experience is required.
Industry partners interested in training their workforce in CNC Machining can learn more about our bootcamp options.
Program Overview
Bilingual courses are not available. Participants must be at least 16 years of age to participate in the program.
Step 1 – Course Overview Session
Learn about financial incentives and finalize your registration. (2 hours)
Step 2 – 4-Part Core Manufacturing Training
Introduction to Manufacturing Essentials Course (6 hours)
This course will introduce you to:
- Manufacturing safety
- Related math applications
- Print reading
- Workplace communications
Manufacturing Explained (6 hours)
This course will provide an opportunity to learn about different manufacturing career options and understand potential manufacturing educational pathways.
Manufacturing Skills Training Course (32 hours)
Choose one of the two course tracks for specialized hands-on training:
- CNC Machining (America's Cutting Edge curriculum)
- Metal Fabrication / Welding
Career Path Preparation Course (6 hours)
Prepare your resume and gain interview experience with one of our industry partners.
Step 3 – Industry Tour and Career Exploration
Begin networking with industry professionals during a tour at a local manufacturer. (2 hours)
Ready to sign up or ask a question?
Complete the form and we'll be in touch.
What is CNC Machining?
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a manufacturing process that uses computer-programmed machines to create parts and products from materials including metal, plastic and composites.
Madison College uses America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) curriculum to prepare students in high-demand careers in machining and manufacturing. Students work directly with CNC equipment, controllers, tooling and inspection equipment in Madison College's Machine Tool Lab.
The ACE curriculum introduces students to the technologies and processes used to manufacture components for industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to medical products and other advanced manufacturing applications.
CNC Machining Bootcamp
Madison College, in partnership with ACE, offers a consolidated bootcamp version of the CNC Machining pathway for industry partners who are interested in training their existing workforce.
For more information, contact the School of Technologies and Trades with the form above.
What is Metal Fabrication and Welding?
Metal fabrication is a series of processes that take raw material, such as sheet metal, and convert it into a usable structure through layout, cutting, bending and assembling.
Welding is a method of fabrication that joins materials with help of high heat, pressure or a combination of both.
Students who choose the metal fabrication/welding path will receive hands-on training that will prepare them for careers in metalworking across a variety of industries.
Earn a Digital Badge
Once you complete the program, you will be awarded a digital badge credential and you can begin your search for employment with a local community manufacturing partner.
Students who choose the CNC Machining pathway will earn the industry-recognized ACE CNC Machining Digital Credential through Credly.
Some course instruction may also qualify for future Credit for Prior Learning at Madison College.
Explore Related Technical Diploma Programs
Financial Incentives and Scholarships
Madison College Foundation
$250 Stipend
Request to receive a $250 stipend upon successful completion of the training program (provided through the generosity of Phil and Kit Blake).
Our Community Partners
Invitation to Manufacturing was made possible through our collaboration with the Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW), including several regional community organizations and manufacturing corporations.
This program was initially funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation as a Wisconsin Innovation Grant (WIG). This grant supports our local manufacturing industry by giving the community equal opportunity to long-term career potential and a family-sustaining wage.
Manufacturing Partners
Invitation to Manufacturing has continued to guide and impact individual's futures through collaboration with these manufacturing partners:
- Bell Laboratories
- Clack Corporation
- Engineering Industries
- Evco Plastics
- Kruger Family Industries
- Latitude
- McFarlane Ag Equipment
- Milwaukee Valve
- Plastic Ingenuity
- Sub Zero
- Teel Plastics
Community-Based Organization Partners
The Invitation to Manufacturing training program has remained sustainable since Spring 2023 through financial partnerships or operational grants from these community-based organizations:
- Badger Prairie Needs Network
- Centro of Dane County
- Employment and Training Association
- Forward Service Corporation
- Job Center of Wisconsin
- Latino Academy of Workforce Development, Inc.
- Urban League of Greater Madison
- WRTP | Big Step