Careers in Manufacturing and CNC Technology

Manufacturing and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology provides a variety of employment opportunities for trained individuals. For every manufactured object, from a rubber shoe sole to the gears in a car, there are technical drawings or computer models that describe the physical shape of the object. These models are produced by engineers or employees working in manufacturing like CNC machinists and machine operators, CNC programmers, research & development machinists, and mold makers. Manufacturing professionals use computer models for guidance in configuring and operating the machinery used to produce the final object. Many of these final processes are completed by using sophisticated computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines.

Employment Outlook

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) collects data about the state’s workforce. These data include information about the number of people employed in the field, job outlook, and wage information. The California EDD predicts for the period 2008-2018 the number of openings for computer-controlled machine tool operators to increase by nearly 6% and industrial engineering technicians to increase by 12%. In addition opens due to growth, there are predicted to many replacement openings as the result of an upcoming wave of retirements. For more detailed information about positions in the manufacturing and CNC technology fields, check the California Occupational Guide for the occupations listed below: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/occguides/Search.aspx.

• Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators (SOC 51-4011)
• Industrial Engineering Technicians (SOC 17-3026)
• Machinists (SOC 51-4041)

Necessary Education and Skills for Career Success

Manufacturing and CNC work requires knowledge in mechanical design and experience in using computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software, computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines and conventional machine tools. These are all taught at De Anza College.

General Info About the Program

The Manufacturing and CNC Program at De Anza, a designated Haas Technical Education Center, offers a number of degrees and certificates for both entry-level individuals and those currently employed in the field. In each degree or certificate option, students are provided with a broad curriculum that provides a strong foundation for employment in local industries or transfer to a four-year college. The program's curriculum includes state-of-the-art theories, procedures, and computer programs utilized in Silicon Valley and provides a strong foundation for employment in local industries or transfer to a four-year college.

 Manufacturing and CNC Certificate and Degree Programs

The following links open in .pdf.

Certificates of Achievement:

• Manufacturing Systems Technician

Certificates of Achievement-Advanced:

• CNC Machinist
• CNC Research and Development Machinist
• Product Model Making

Associate Degrees:

• CNC Machinist
• CNC Research and Development Machinist
• Product Model Making

For more information contact the Manufacturing and CNC Department
Biological, Health, Environmental Sciences and Workforce Education Division
De Anza KC 228
(408) 864-8773
www.deanza.edu/manufacturing/