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Machine Tool Technology
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CWI Machine Tool Technology Program
Program Exploration Event
Interested in a career in Machine Tool Technology? Join us on Nov. 15, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center in room 135 to:
- Learn more about this program, and meet the faculty.
- Meet industry leaders, and hear about career opportunities.
- Understand how education in this career field benefits you.
- Get tips on how to prepare for a successful start.
- Take a tour of the lab space and technology.
Overview
Put yourself on the fast track to a career in Machine Tool Technology at College of Western Idaho (CWI). Manufacturing operations of all sizes need skilled machinists to keep their production lines running smoothly. In the Machine Tool Technology you will explore what it takes to play a vital role in this field. Through hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs, taking away an advanced skill set that allows you to troubleshoot, strategize, and work with high-tech equipment in machine shops and manufacturing industries as diverse as your interests.
This two-year program has top-quality training and long-standing support from local employers thanks in part to our accomplished graduates who have won top state and national awards.
NEW STUDENTS
Complete the following steps to get started in the Machine Tool Technology program:
- Apply to CWI selecting Machine Tool Technology as your planned major.
- Attend a Program Exploration event to learn about the program, register for classes, and prepare for success.
- Contact Mike Wheeler at mikewheeler@cwi.edu for upcoming event dates and times.
Program Highlights
Through a combination of classroom study and assigned lab activities, students acquire essential background information, develop trade skills, and become familiar with production methods and standards common to the industry. Within the lab setting, emphasis is on the practical application of skills. Students will learn to operate a variety of conventional machine tools and computer numerical control (CNC) machines, interpret industrial drawings/blueprints, and use precision measuring and inspection instruments.
- Shop safety and safe machine operation
- Training on manual and CNC mills
- Training on manual and CNC lathes
- Advanced interpretation of machine shop drawings and prints
- Instruction on writing and debugging programs for CNC mills and lathes
- Training on setups, fixturing, tool selection and offset calculations on CNC mills and lathes
Skills & Techniques
After completion of this program, students will have comprehensive knowledge of the following:
- Manual mill setup and operation
- Manual lathe setup and operation
- CNC mill programming, setup and operation
- CNC lathe programming, setup and operation
- Write CNC machine tool programs
- Use and application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) methods
- Metallurgy for machining
- Heat treating
- Related Machine Tool math
Mission
If you like troubleshooting, strategy, and working with high-tech equipment, College of Western Idaho (CWI) can offer you a start to an exceptional career as a machinist. This two-year program has top-quality training and long-standing support from local employers thanks in part to our accomplished graduates who have won top national and international awards. At CWI, you will learn basic skills and quickly advance into areas such as interpretation of drawings, proper measurement, design adaptation, computer numerical programming, and much more.
Why This Program
Over the years, this trade has been consistent in offering employment opportunities to employees trained with basic machining skills and a desire to work in an industrial environment. The skills taught in the Machine Tool program offer opportunities in a diverse field of specialized occupations such as; Machine Operator, Tool and Die work, Automotive Machinist, Field Work, Machine Maintenance Mechanic, CNC Programmer, Quality Control and others.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Set up and operate manual machines including engine lathes, milling
- Program, set up, and operate computer-numerically controlled (CNC) milling machines and lathes
- Operate precision measurement and test equipment used by metals-manufacturing industries
- Properly heat-treat various metals
- Understand and identify the many different materials, processes, and techniques used by the machining industry
- Utilize Virtual GIBBS programming software and SolidWorks modeling software
Clubs
Additional Opportunities
There are also extra-curricular activities that students can participate in such as SkillsUSA and the Machinists Club. These organizations provide opportunities for the student to enhance their educational experience while interacting with other classmates.
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Machine Tool Technology - Associate of Applied Science Degree
2
YEARSAAS
Machine Tool Technology - Intermediate Technical Certificate
2
YEARSITC
Skills, Traits, and Prep Classes
- Sound math and spatial skills
- Solid reading skills
- Mechanical aptitude
- Manual dexterity
- Solid reading skills
- Ability to evaluate and make decisions
- Ability to attend class seven hours per day
- Enjoyment of working with others
- Ability to work to precise specifications
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
Connecting With Ideas
Connecting With Ideas (CWI 101) is designed to prepare students with the skills to succeed in college, a career, and life. Completion of CWI 101 is a general education requirement of students seeking to earn an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from CWI. Students are encouraged to take CWI 101 during their first semester.
Explore CWI 101 PathwaysTransfer
Individuals admitted to CWI as a degree-seeking student who have earned college credit from another institution may transfer their credits to CWI. Visit Transferring to CWI to learn more.
Plan ahead for your transition to a four-year college or university. Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor and representatives from the intended transfer school to ensure a smooth transition beyond CWI. Visit Transferring From CWI to explore our transfer partnerships.
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships. Visit Cost & Aid to view tuition and fees, explore types of aid, apply for federal financial aid, and more.
Are you a 2024 Idaho high school graduate? Learn how to get up to $8,000 of your tuition and fees covered at CWI through Idaho LAUNCH.
Career Info
PROFESSIONS
- Machine Operator
- Tool and Die Maker
- Machine Maintenance
- Quality Assurance Inspection
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Medical Equipment Manufacturing
- Automation Equipment Manufacturing
Machinists are highly skilled operators of machine tools that fabricate parts from a wide variety of materials. Working from blueprints, sketches, or their own designs, these technicians produce precision parts with extremely close tolerances.
Locations
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

In his fourth year at College of Western Idaho, Machine Tool Technology student, Wade Kindberg, continues to learn new skills and trades for a future career.

New scholarship honors late CWI Machine Tool Technology graduate, Nathaniel Stewart Dando.

The Nagel Foundation scholarship empowers second-year career and technical education students to complete their education.

Congratulations to Bradley Dougal, a 2019-2020 Nagel Foundation scholarship recipient.

Biology instructor, Dusty Perkins, Biology Club, and Machine Tool Technology Program to host a native bee habitat building during Connections Project.

Annual STEM Out! event introduces students to STEM careers through hands-on workshops presented by CWI faculty and students.
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