Search | Menu Machining and metalworking really turn your crank. Learn the basics, then go on for further education or on-the-job training.
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Machine Tool Operation
Program Number: 314201
Your Degree: Technical Diploma
Estimated Time to Complete: 34 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 year
Delivery Method: 100% In Person
Area of Study: Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance
Estimated Program Cost: $7,193.83
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Program Overview
As a Machine Tool Operations student, you will:
- Be introduced to Computer Numerical Control (CNC), Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
- Acquire skills in basic machining such as milling, manual lathes, and drill presses.
- Learn blueprint reading, measurement, quality control, precision and repair machining.
- Gain knowledge and skills necessary to build and inspect machined parts.
- Get hands-on training in a high-tech work environment.
- Problem solve, team work, math, communication, and computers.
- Prepares students for employment in the machining and metalworking industries.
- Build skills needed to become a skilled craftsman.
Program Details
Students in the Machine Tool Operations program can attend full- or part-time.
Machine Tool Operations classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.
Careers
Earning your One-Year Technical Diploma in Machine Tool Operations program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work in:
- Machine Operator
- Repair/Precision Machinist
- CNC Machinist
- Machine Repair Specialist
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:
- Journey-level Tool and Die Maker
- Journey-level Mold Maker
- Journey-level Millwright
- Shop Owner
- Shop Manager
- Industrial Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Industrial Sales Engineer
- Die and/or Mold Designer
- Educator
- Tool and Die Apprentice
- Mold Making Apprentice
- Millwright Apprentice
- CNC Programmer
Get training for high demand jobs, attractive pay and advancement opportunities.
- Entry level metalworkers can average $30,000-$45,000 with a two-year diploma.
- Precision machining can lead to an engineering or business degree.
- Experienced precision metalworkers earn from $40,000 to $75,000 annually.
- Advancement Opportunities to Manager, Teacher, Shop Owner.
- Ford Motor Co., Cadillac Motor Co., Brown & Sharpe, and Fairbanks Morse were all started by machinists.
Video
Hear from our students and instructors.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-606-200Interpreting Engineering Drawings
Focuses on the basic principles of engineering drawings and manufacturing processes. Through interpretation and sketching, students learn to visualize the part, section or assembly views. Students study isometric and orthographic views on a drawing. The student will also use drawings pertinent to the trades with examples in GD&T, welding, facilities, piping, sheet metal, equipment manuals, electrical symbols, and fluid power symbols.2 credits32-420-322Machine Tool 1
Introduces the basic concepts and skills using engine lathes, power saws, Drill presses and bench applications. Emphasizes safety and proper operation of tools and machines, speeds, feeds, cutting tools, tool geometry, tool grinding and work-holding devices. Stresses dimensional accuracy, finish and quality as well as team-building and work ethics.4 credits32-420-323Machine Tool 2
Expands on basic concepts and skills using engine lathes, power saws, drill presses, bench applications, CNC setup and operation. Emphasizes safety and proper operation of tools and machines, speeds feeds, cutting tools, tool geometry, tool grinding and work-holding devices. Stresses dimensional accuracy, finish and quality with team-building and work ethics.5 credits32-420-348Applied CNC-Operation & Setup
Through practical lab exercises and lectures, students develop the ability to establish work and tool offsets, verify part programs, and produce components that meet engineering specifications. Introduces CNC control interfaces, and common machining strategies. By the end of the course, students will be able to complete standard CNC setups, perform routine machine operation, identify machining errors, and make corrective adjustments to ensure part quality and production efficiency.2 credits32-420-351Elements of Basic Metrology
This course introduces the principles of basic dimensional measurement, layout techniques for machines, use of direct and indirect measuring tools as well as the use of length standards relative to calibration of measuring instruments and the basic operation of the Coordinate Measuring Machine.2 credits32-420-711Math for the Machine Trades
Provides applied mathematics instruction from a review of basic arithmetic; basic algebra; applications, based on geometry; right triangle trigonometry.2 creditsSecond Semester31-623-110Introduction to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT)
Students will be introduced to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT). Symbols, Rules and Concepts, Datums, and Types of Tolerancing will be introduced and practiced in accordance to the current ASME standard.1 credit32-420-324Machine Tool 3
Expands the concepts and skills using engine lathes, power saws, drill presses, bench applications, and advanced CNC setup and operation. Emphasizes safety and proper operation of tools and machines, speeds feeds, cutting tools, tool geometry, tool grinding and work-holding devices. Stresses dimensional accuracy, finish and quality with team-building and work ethics.4 credits32-420-325Machine Tool 4
Expands on basic concepts and skills using engine lathes, power saws, drill presses, bench applications, CNC setup and operation. Emphasizes safety and proper operation of tools and machines, speeds feeds, cutting tools, tool geometry, tool grinding and work-holding devices. Stresses dimensional accuracy, finish and quality with team-building and work ethics.5 credits32-420-337Manufacturing w/Solid Modeling-2D
This course offers instruction on individual computer workstations in a computer lab. This computer-aided drafting (CAD) instruction uses Solid Modeling software that is capable of creating 3D models and manufacturing drawings. In this course you will spend half of the time creating 3D models using 2 and 2.5D features while exploring the concepts of working in 3D space. Once the solid models are created students will import the solid models into CAM (Computer-aided manufacturing) software and utilize machining concepts to produce manufactured part using 2.5D programming methods such as pocketing, contouring & drilling for milling machines as well as turning, facing, grooving and threading for turning centers.2 credits32-420-346Applied CNC-Programming Basics
Introduces students to the fundamental concepts and practical skills of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programming used in modern machining environments. Students will learn how to understand coordinate systems and apply standard G-code to create basic CNC programs. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning, including conversational programming, toolpath creation, program editing.2 credits32-420-390Fundamentals of Metallurgy
Introduces metallurgy, emphasizing applications, selection, identification methods and alloy influences. Studies metal properties using testing, micro-structure interpretation and heat-treatment processes. Covers tool steels, weld heat effects, failure analysis and machinability variations in cast iron, alloy steels and non-ferrous materials in detail.2 credits32-420-393Machine Tool-Occupational Development
The Machine Tool Occupational Development class is designed to help students entering the Machining, CNC and Tool and Die industries in the development of the necessary documents, attitudes and insights needed to find and secure employment. The course includes resume building, cover letters and follow-up documents, job searches, interviewing, workplace ethics and responsible employee behaviors. The course also includes information on Apprenticeships, career and financial planning and exploration of local businesses. This course requires the use of computer technology and assignments will be submitted in both a hard copy and electronic format.1 creditGet hands-on learning from day one on high-tech equipment.
Watch the video to learn more.
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How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Secure Your Spot!
This program has a limited number of seats available. We encourage early applications to secure your spot, but the program has not historically reached full capacity.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Machine Tool Operation career.
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Career Outcomes
Madison College Machine Tool Operations program graduates are prepared to:
- Apply basic safety practices in the machine shop
- Interpret industrial/engineering drawings
- Apply precision measuring methods to part inspection
- Perform basic machine tool equipment set-up and operation
- Perform programming, set-up and operation of CNC Machine Tools
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 5 9 7 Number of Surveys Sent 4 9 7 Number of Surveys Returned 4 6 7 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 1 1 2 Percent Available for Employment 25.0% 16.7% 28.6% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 75.0% 83.3% 71.4% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 1 1 2 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 0 1 2 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 1 0 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.3 4 3 Number of Satisfaction Responses 3 1 3 Very Satisfied (4) 1 1 0 Percent Very Satisfied 33.3% 100.0% 0.0% Satisfied (3) 2 0 3 Percent Satisfied 66.7% 0.0% 100.0% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 4 6 7 Preparation for Getting a Job 2 0 0 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 50.0% 0.0% 0.0% Career Change 1 0 1 Percent Career Change 25.0% 0.0% 14.3% Improvement of Existing Skills 0 1 1 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 0.0% 16.7% 14.3% Preparation for Further Education 1 5 5 Percent Preparation for Further Education 25.0% 83.3% 71.4% Personal Interest 0 0 0 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 1 1 2 Before Enrollment 1 1 1 Percent Before Enrollment 100.0% 100.0% 50.0% While Attending the College 0 0 1 Percent While Attending the College 0.0% 0.0% 50.0% After Training at the College 0 0 0 Percent After Training at the College 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 1 1 2 In College District 1 1 2 Percent In College District 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count Average Monthly Wage Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 2 Average Hourly Wage $24.00 $19.50 Average Work Hours per Week 30.0 23.5 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Plastic Ingenuity Inc Machinist Cross Plains Quality Machining, Inc Machine Operator Waunakee * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
