If you’d like a high-paying career upon graduating from BTC, then you should consider Precision Machining. You’ll be prepared to work right away as a machinist; with experience you can advance to positions such as journey level machinist, tool programmer, CNC operator/programmer or engineer.
You’ll learn how to use machine tools such as lathes, drill presses, and milling machines, plus blueprint reading, basic CNC programming and machine processes. Employers who hire graduates from the Precision Machining program include aircraft, boat, and automobile manufacturers, industrial machinery firms, and machine shops.
Data are provided on a program (not credential) level
81% BTC graduate placement rate1
$42,744 starting annual wage2
$56,181 average annual wage2
$80,309 potential annual wage2
This program typically admits students once a year in the Fall quarter.
Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.
MACH 110 | Machining 1 Lab Extension | 2 CR |
MACH 115 | Blueprint Reading 1 | 5 CR |
MACH 181 | Manual Machining 1 | 5 CR |
MATH& 141 | Precalculus I | 5 CR |
OR higher |
MACH 112 | Machining 2 Lab Extension | 2 CR |
MACH 116 | Blueprint Reading 2 | 5 CR |
MACH 182 | Manual Machining 2 | 5 CR |
ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 CR |
OR higher |
ENGR 180 | Parametric Modeling | 5 CR |
MACH 114 | Machining 3 Lab Extension | 4 CR |
MACH 183 | Introduction to CNC Machining and Programming | 5 CR |
CMST& 210 | Interpersonal Communication | 5 CR |
ENGR& 104 | Introduction To Engineering & Design | 5 CR |
MACH 241 | Introduction to CNC Lathe Operation | 5 CR |
MACH 251 | Introduction to CNC Mill Operation | 5 CR |
MACH 261 | Introduction to CAD/CAM for Machining | 3 CR |
QA 110 | Introduction to Quality Assurance for Machining | 3 CR |
MACH 242 | Advanced CNC Lathe Operation | 5 CR |
MACH 252 | Advanced CNC Mill Operation | 5 CR |
MACH 263 | Intermediate CAD/CAM for Machining | 3 CR |
QA 115 | Intermediate Quality Assurance for Machining | 3 CR |
MACH 264 | Advanced CAD/CAM for Machining | 3 CR |
MACH 274 | CNC Machining for Production | 6 CR |
QA 120 | Advanced Quality Assurance for Machining | 3 CR |
MATH& 142 | Precalculus II | 5 CR |
OR higher |
After successfully completing the AAS-T degree, students will be able to:
Employment of machinists is expected to increase and employment of CNC operators is expected to increase. About 82 percent of program graduates are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual wage in this field is $59,155, with an earning potential of about $90,542 per year.*
Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student participation with internships and employment in this industry.
Although most program graduates work as machinists, with experience, graduates can advance to positions such as journey level machinist, tool programmer, CNC operator/programmer, manager, engineer and machine and shop tools sales and service representative.
In addition, some graduates are self-employed. Around the country, most machinists work in small machining shops or in manufacturing firms that produce durable goods, such as metalworking and industrial machinery, aircraft, or motor vehicles.
Jeff has ten years experience as a machinist in a wide range of specialties, from aerospace to musical instrument manufacturing. Jeff started his machining career as a CNC operator for JAMCO America in Everett. After six years at JAMCO, Jeff came to BTC as a student and is a proud graduate of the Precision Machining program. After earning his degree Jeff worked as a programmer/operator for custom door manufacturer Northstar Woodworks in Ferndale, and as a set-up machinist for ProCNC in Bellingham. Jeff is currently a contract Mastercam programmer/prototyper/consultant for acoustic guitar parts supplier Pacific Rim Tonewoods in Concrete. Jeff started at BTC in July, 2014.