M achinist
Machinists are creators of everything from car engines to airplane wings to office equipment and beyond. Looking for a path where you’re challenged to think innovatively, have ample job advancement opportunities and the chance to work with your hands and cutting-edge technology?
T he Perks
This path is perfect for those who like technology but also enjoy creating and building things with their hands. Machining is crucial to many exciting fields like sporting equipment, aerospace, mining, automotive and more – so you’ll be in high demand!
18
Months
The average time investment required to become a machinist is just 18 months
10
Growth
Machinist jobs are projected to grow by 10% (from 2014 to 2024)
40,000
Salary
Regionally, the average base machinist salary is around $40k (and can increase to $70k+)
Machinist
MiTek
The satisfaction of taking a useless block of aluminum, titanium, etc. and making it into a tool, or part of a greater machine gives you a sense of ownership, and pride. That would just be a block of material had you not brought your skills to bear and rendered it into a useful item.
W hat Do I Need?
Machinists are highly skilled, detail-oriented and mechanically inclined. It’s an exciting, fast-paced job with opportunities to advance into tool and die making, CNC programming, managerial or supervisory positions – or even working for yourself after you’ve gained experience!
High School Diploma
You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma in order to pursue this path.
High School Diploma
You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma in order to pursue this path.
High School Diploma
You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma in order to pursue this path.
Creative
You need to think creatively to determine the most effective and efficient way to size a given material into the desired shape, and use a variety of tools.
Math Skills
All interactions with manual or CNC machines with a blue print require a machinist to use mathematics.
Tech/Machine Savvy
You should be willing/able to learn how to use certain analytical or scientific software, CAD/CAM software and similar technologies and tools.
High School Diploma
You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma in order to pursue this path.
High School Diploma
You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma in order to pursue this path.
High School Diploma
You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma in order to pursue this path.
Creative
You need to think creatively to determine the most effective and efficient way to size a given material into the desired shape, and use a variety of tools.
Math Skills
All interactions with manual or CNC machines with a blue print require a machinist to use mathematics.
Tech/Machine Savvy
You should be willing/able to learn how to use certain analytical or scientific software, CAD/CAM software and similar technologies and tools.
Y our Resources
Ready to get started? Take your first step by exploring these pathways and resources that can help you discover how to become a machinist in St. Louis.
Hydromat Apprenticeship Program
Our apprenticeship program produces competent, literate, and well-trained machinist (tool makers) who have the skills to join fellow Hydromat associates in building the industries’ finest precision transfer machines. The program will expose you to all fundamental areas of milling, turning, grinding, and advanced CNC applications. You will have the opportunity to train in a 6000-hour program focused on achieving a Journeyman Machinist card (fully accredited by the DOL and NTMA) and earn NIMS credentials for Machining Level I & II.
Precision Machining Technology, Certificate of Specialization (CS)
This program prepares you for entry-level jobs in the machine tool trade. Students will learn to safely set up and operate milling machines, lathes, grinders and drill presses. They will also learn the basics of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine set up and operation. The program is designed around the National Institute for Metalworking skills (NIMS) credentials and prepares students for testing in seven of the level one credentials.
