Search | Menu Here’s a perfect mix of classes and hands-on learning. Because it’s important to know both the how and the why.
Machinist Apprenticeship
Program Number: 504202
Your Degree: Apprenticeship
Estimated Time to Complete: 12 Credits | Finish paid training and class time in 3 years
Delivery Method: 100% In Person
Area of Study: Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance
Estimated Program Cost: $2,283.80
View Tuition and Fees
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.
-
Program Overview
Work Description
Machinists are skilled workers who can transform a block of metal into an intricate part, such as a gear or piston, that meets precise specification. They set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Many machines are computer numerically controlled (CNC), which means the machinist uses computers to direct the machine’s operation.
Working Conditions
Most machine shops are well lighted and ventilated. Machinists wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses to shield against bits of flying metal and earplugs to protect against machinery noise. They may stand most of the day and may lift moderately heavy work pieces.
Training
- 4-year training program
- 8,320 hours of on-the-job training
- 432 hours of paid related instruction
Apprentices will learn the theory and skills to operate all the basic machinery found in a well-equipped machine shop, including lathes, drilling machines, metal cutting saws, vertical and horizontal milling machines, and surface and cylindrical grinders.
Learn more from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Program Details
Machinist Apprenticeship classes are offered at Madison College's Truax Campus.
-
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 Semester50-420-740Mathematics for the Machine Trades
This course provides applied mathematics instruction from a review of basic arithmetic. Apprentices will apply basic algebra, geometry and trigonometry to various machining operations and processes.1.25 credit50-420-720Cut-Off Machines for Machine Trades Apprentices
Acquaints the apprentice with the basic types of cutoff machines used in industry, cutoff machine applications, cutoff machine tooling, and cutoff machine safety.0.25 credit50-420-741Metallurgy & Materials for Machine Trades Apprentices
This course provides the opportunity for the apprentice to develop the knowledge, skills, process, and understanding of hardness testing and heat treating of various materials.0.5 creditsSecond Semester50-420-713Precision Measurement for Machine Tool Trade Apprentices
Designed to acquaint the apprentice with the measurement systems and tools most frequently used in layout and machining processes. Learning outcomes relate to semi-precision through super-precision measuring tools and equipment combined with opportunities to investigate new technologies.1 credit50-420-714Engineering Drawings for Machine Tool Trades Apprentices
Acquaints the apprentice with the interpretation of engineering prints and other technical and manufacturing documentation. The primary focus will be on that part of manufacturing most closely related to machining and tooling. Background information is provided relative to the process used to create and finish the product or piece part on the prints being studied. This course was formerly module 4 in related instruction.1 creditThird Semester50-420-742Turning Machines for Machine Trades Apprentices
This course will acquaint the apprentice with the terminology, methods, and operations for turning machines used in the metal-working industry. Apprentices will learn to perform calculations needed to operate turning machines including speed and feed calculations. Apprentices will make calculations necessary to setup a turning machine for screw threads and taper operations.1 credit50-420-743Milling Machines for Machine Trades Apprentices
This course will have the apprentice analyze the basic principles of vertical and horizontal milling machines. Apprentices practice safety measures while exploring basic parts and functions of the machines, work holding devices, tooling requirements, and feeds and speeds.1 creditFourth Semester50-420-719Grinding Machines for Machine Trades Apprentices
Focuses on the terminology, construction and operations of grinding machines in the metal-working industry. Be aware that in-depth information regarding cutting tools, hardware and hand tools will be addressed in their own courses. Efforts should be made to reference information found in other courses in order to assist the apprentice in the application and assimilation of information. This course instructs apprentices in the use of traditional grinding machines and the attachments and accessories frequently encountered in manufacturing operations that use common grinding processes.0.5 credits50-420-744CAD/CAM for Machine Trades
This course is designed to provide the apprentice with the concepts and applied techniques used in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).1.5 creditsFifth Semester50-420-726Jig and Fixture Design for Machine Trades Apprentices
Introduces the apprentice to the concepts of jig and fixture design as part of their apprenticeship related instruction. Topics include the basic elements of tool design, jig and fixture application, and the actual design of tooling.0.5 credits50-420-727Geometric Design and Tolerancing for Machine Trades Apprentices
Acquaints the apprentice with the skills to interpret the geometric dimensions and tolerances found on engineering drawings and in other industrial documents. Instruction concentrates on interpreting the symbols, identifying tolerance zones and determining ways to check parts for conformity to the specified geometric controls. Reference is made to ASME Y14.5M - 1994.0.5 credits50-420-745CNC Programming and Operations 1 for Machine Trades Apprentices
Apprentices will examine CNC related operations and safety. Course competencies include classifying types of equipment, comparing CNC tooling, setup, and work holding operations and CNC controls.1 creditSixth Semester50-420-746CNC Programming and Operations 2 for Machine Tool Trades Apprentices
This course is a classroom/lab introduction to CNC programming for apprentices, with a focus on CNC turning and milling centers. Apprentices will create setup sheets, develop tool lists, calculate speeds and feeds, assign tool offsets and write CNC programs.2 credits -
How to Apply
1. Secure an Apprenticeship Position
To get started, you'll need to secure an apprenticeship position with a sponsoring employer. Think of it like applying for a job. You'll apply directly with employers who are hiring apprentices.
2. Apply to Madison College
After you secure an apprenticeship position, apply to the apprenticeship program at Madison College.
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Interested in starting this spring? Get in touch. Find our contact information below.
Fall 2027
- Fall 2027 Application Open
- The application deadline is August 31, 2027
3. Complete the Apprenticeship Contract
Your sponsoring employer will work with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to complete the apprenticeship registration process.
4. Get Ready to Start Classes
Once Madison College receives your apprenticeship contract, you'll be admitted into the program and contacted with next steps.
-
Career Outcomes
Madison College Machinist Apprenticeship graduates are prepared to do the following:
- Blueprint Reading – Understand and interpret the types of lines used on shop drawings and part prints; apply tolerances and symbols; identify threads, tapers, and machined surfaces; and develop good sketching techniques.
- Bench Work – Identify mechanical hardware and hand tools, precision measuring instruments, part layout, threading with taps and dies, files, and hand and power saws, and practice general shop safety
- Engine Lathe Operation – Basic lathe construction; single point tool geometry; high-speed and carbide tool applications; lathe operations, including, turning, facing, grooving, boring, drilling, reaming, threading, taper turning, knurling and cut-off; and safety
- Tool-Room Milling Machine Operation – Vertical mill construction and operation, end milling, side milling, key ways, boring and counter-boring, drilling and reaming, and safety
- Surface and Cylindrical Grinding – Basic construction and operation, wheel selection, work-holding methods and grinder safety
- Metallurgy – Properties and applications of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals
- Mathematics – Fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, cutting speeds and feeds, basic algebra, geometry and trigonometry
- Jig and Fixture Design – Describe the basic functions of jigs and fixtures, explain the difference between locators and supports, select appropriate clamping mechanisms
- Computer Assisted Manufacturing (CAM) – Utilize CAM programs such as Feature-Cam to produce tool-paths for Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) lathes and milling machines.
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) – Set up and operate CNC lathes and milling machines using Computer Assisted Manufacturing tool-paths.
- Electrical Discharge Machines (EDM) – Describe the principles of EDM operation, compare electrode materials, discuss electrode machining methods, determine flushing requirements, and relate spark frequency to surface finish and metal removal rates.
-
Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2024 Number of Program Graduates 3 Number of Surveys Sent Number of Surveys Returned Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 0 Percent Available for Employment Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market Available for Employment
2024 Graduates Employed 0 Percent of Graduates Employed Employed in Related Occupation 0 Percent Employed in Related Occupation Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation Employed - No Response 0 Percent Employed - No Response Seeking Employment 0 Percent Seeking Employment Reaction To Training at Madison College
2024 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 0 Number of Satisfaction Responses 0 Very Satisfied (4) 0 Percent Very Satisfied Satisfied (3) 0 Percent Satisfied Unsatisfied (2) 0 Percent Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2024 Number of Primary Reason Responses 0 Preparation for Getting a Job 0 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change 0 Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest 0 Percent Personal Interest Other 0 Percent Other When Employment was Obtained
2024 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 0 Before Enrollment 0 Percent Before Enrollment While Attending the College 0 Percent While Attending the College After Training at the College 0 Percent After Training at the College Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2024 Number of Employment Location Responses 0 In College District 0 Percent In College District In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 Percent of In Wisconsin Outside of Wisconsin 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin Employer Location Unknown 0 Percent Location Unknown Salary Trend 2024 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 Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week
