Machining

Machining - Certificate - Principles of Machining and CNC Operation

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.

Machining Technology Video

Employment Information

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

Employment and Wage Data Sources

¹Employment data come from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and reflect WA/OR employment for students enrolled at BTC between 2017-18 and 2019-20. Students are included in the employment rate if they left with a credential. Rates are not shown for programs with fewer than 10 students meeting the above criteria.

²Whatcom County and WA State wage data come from Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates and reflect 2018-21 employment. Wage data represent occupations that BTC faculty have identified as the most relevant career paths for program graduates. Note that these wages reflect employees with varying educational levels/credentials. For cases in which multiple occupations have been identified by faculty, a weighted percentile is calculated using each occupation’s percentile wage and employment size estimate. Wages are not shown for programs for which occupations do not meet the ESD’s minimum thresholds for publishing. If the program has wage data from the Washington SBCTC that involves shift work, these ESD wages reflect the same number of hours used in the annual wage calculation. Starting wage = 25th percentile, median wage = 50th percentile, wage potential = 75th percentile.

Estimated Program Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates

Entry

When Can I Start?

This is not a stand-alone certificate, students must meet all program level entry requirements.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

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.

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Advising & Registration
4. Prepare to Attend

Classes

Total Program Credits: 55

Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes
You are now able to sign up for classes in ctcLink using the class list below. It requires certain steps to work smoothly. Please read and follow the instructions:
Once at the beginning of each session:
- Follow the link below which will open the ctcLink login screen in a new browser tab
- In the new tab login to ctcLink
- Return back to this tab
These steps log you into ctcLink and keep you logged in until you log out manually or close your browser. If you or a public computer it is good security practice to logout and close all browser windows when you are done.
Proceed to ctcLink login in new window
For each class:
- Click on the name of the class below to show future offerings
- Click the 'Find in ctcLink' button below the class you wish to find. (Button will only show if registration is open.)
- A new tab with the ctcLink Class Search tool will open
- Without changing any of the filter options, click the 'Search' button
- Only the specific class you selected will show. If logged in following the steps above, you will be able to register for the class.

Quarter 1
MACH 110 Machining 1 Lab Extension 2 CR
In this lab course students use manual knee mills and engine lathes to practice producing parts to print specifications. Skills practiced on a lathe are facing, O.D. turning, grooving, parting-off, drilling reaming. Skills practiced on a mill are squaring a vise, tool setting, edge finding, facing, end mill use, drilling, tapping, and tramming of the table. Students practice the use of micrometers, calipers, indicators, and various other measuring tools to verify parts and aid in set-ups.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Reading (247) or higher OR RDG 085 with a C or higher¿and¿ ACCUPLACER¿Writing (245) or higher OR ENGL 092¿with a C or higher¿and¿ ACCUPLACER¿Arithmetic (230) or higher OR¿ABE¿050¿with a C or higher. Co-requisites: MACH 181 and MACH 115¿
MACH 115 Blueprint Reading 1 5 CR
This course is an introduction to blueprint reading, the standard practice used to communicate engineered design information. Students learn current and past terms, abbreviations, symbols, dimensioning systems, and information relayed in the title block. Dimensioning methods, tolerances, accumulating tolerances and calculating unknown dimensions is a point of emphasis. Sketching is used to develop visualization skills to explain and demonstrate orthographic projection, multi view drawings, and section views.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Reading (247) or higher OR RDG 085 with a C or higher and ACCUPLACER Writing (245) or higher OR ENGL 092 with a C or higher and ACCUPLACER Arithmetic (230) or higher OR ABE 050 with a C or higher. Co-Requisites: MACH 111 and MACH 181
MACH 181 Manual Machining 1 5 CR
In this introductory machining course students learn terms and names associated with both the manual knee mill and manual engine lathe. Students operate both machines. Operations on the lathe include gear setting speeds and feeds, use of the carriage, cross-slide, compoundrest, tailstock and 3-jaw chuck. Skills introduced are facing, O.D. turning, grooving, parting-off, drilling reaming. Mill operations include speed and feed adjustments, operation of the knee, saddle, and table, use of a mill vise and the 3-axis coordinate system. Skills performed are squaring a vise, tool setting, edge finding, facing, end mill use, profiling, drilling, and tapping. All skills are used to produce parts to print specifications. Students use micrometers, calipers, indicators, and various other measuring tools to verify parts and aid in set-ups.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Reading (247) or higher OR RDG 085 with a C or higher and ACCUPLACER Writing (245) or higher OR ENGL 092 with a C or higher and ACCUPLACER Arithmetic (230) or higher OR ABE 050 with a C or higher. Co-requisites: MACH 111 and MACH 115
AMATH 100 Applied Occupational Math 5 CR
This course emphasizes mathematics used in the professional technical occupations. Students will learn mathematical skills in the following: fractions, decimals, percents, ratios & proportions, U.S. Customary Units and metric measurement systems, basic geometry and elementary algebra. The course will include relevant technical applications and the use of a calculator.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Arithmetic (230) or higher or ABE 050 with a C or higher or approved alternative placement criteria.
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2023
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 TTh 10:30 AM-12:40 PM Hegeberg
Spring 2023
04/05/2023-06/23/2023 MWF 8:30 AM-9:50 AM Hegeberg
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
OR higher
Quarter 2
MACH 112 Machining 2 Lab Extension 2 CR
In this lab course students use manual knee mills and engine lathes to practice producing complex parts to print specifications. Students practice mill and lathe operations to improve their proficiency in part creation, using their order of operations. Students practice producing parts while under time requirements. Students practice complex measuring techniques to complete their First articles of Inspections.
Prerequisites:
MACH 181 and MACH 111 with a C or higher. Co-requisites: MACH 182
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2023
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 MW 1:30 PM-2:30 PM Johnson
F 8:00 AM-10:00 AM Johnson
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
MACH 116 Blueprint Reading 2 5 CR
This course builds on the curriculum delivered in MACH 115. While still focused on the blueprint reading, many of the terms discussed relate directly to Machining, and how machinists need to interpret them. To include thread specifications, tappers, right triangles, metric conversions, and coordinate dimensioning. Terms and symbols related to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing are points of emphasis. Students are exposed to the application of GDT and its benefits when verifying machined parts.
Prerequisites:
MACH 115 with a C or higher
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2023
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 MW 7:30 AM-9:45 AM Johnson
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
MACH 182 Manual Machining 2 5 CR
A continuation of the skills achieved in MACH 181. Students perform more advanced lathe and mill operations. Complex parts with tighter tolerance will be produced. Time Management is a point of emphasis. Students use height gages, pins and other measuring equipment to verify that parts meet print specifications. Students develop part plans, to include order of operations and First Articles of Inspection.
Prerequisites:
MACH 181 and MACH 111 with a C or higher. Co-Requisites: MACH 112
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2023
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 MW 9:50 AM-11:05 AM Johnson
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 MW 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Johnson
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
AENGL 100 Applied English 5 CR
This applied English course focuses on the workplace communication skills needed to send, receive, and process oral and written information. Along with a review of writing fundamentals, learners will use principles of clear communication, professionalism, and cultural awareness in occupational contexts. Learners will sharpen their reading, writing, and presentation skills.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Reading (247) or higher or RDG 085 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Writing (245) or higher or ENGL 092 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2023
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 TTh 8:00 AM-10:10 AM Gernand
Spring 2023
04/05/2023-06/23/2023 TTh 10:30 AM-12:40 PM Gernand
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
OR higher
Quarter 3
ENGR 180 Parametric Modeling 5 CR
This course is an introduction to 3D CAD (computer aided design) with an emphasis on parametric solid modeling applications and usage. Topics include methods for creating solid model components, joining components to form assemblies, and generation of 2D manufacturing drawings from 3D solid models.
Prerequisites:
(ENGR 115 with a C or higher) or (MACH 102 with a C or higher)
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2023
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 TTh 10:30 AM-12:40 PM Reiss
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
MACH 114 Machining 3 Lab Extension 4 CR
In this lab students practice setting up CNC milling machines. Operations practiced include tool building and establishing tool off-sets, Part holding and setting origins. Skills practiced are machine crash mitigation and CNC part production. During this lab students use G-Code to interpret CNC mill actions and correct them. Students produce parts to print specifications.
Prerequisites:
MACH 116, MACH 182 and MACH 112, all with a C or higher. Co-requisites: MACH 183
Current & Future Offerings:
Spring 2023
04/05/2023-06/23/2023 MW 11:30 AM-2:30 PM Johnson
F 8:00 AM-10:00 AM Johnson
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
MACH 183 Introduction to CNC Machining and Programming 5 CR
This introductory course covers the principles of CNC machining. Students set up a CNC mill, including work holding, tools, tool offsets and program origins. Students follow correct procedures in crash mitigation and part production on a CNC mill. Students create programs writing G-Code. Students read G-Code, interpreting the CNC machine's actions. Students troubleshoot programs written in G-code, locating the errors and correcting them.
Prerequisites:
MACH 116, MACH 182 and MACH 112, all with a C or higher. Co-Requisites: MACH 113
CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communications 5 CR
Designed to introduce students to the application of basic interpersonal communication theory, with a focus on achieving success in the workplace. Topics explored include self-awareness, self-disclosure, conversation skills, relationship development and maintenance, assertiveness, teamwork and group dynamics, conflict management strategies, and communicating in a diverse world.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Reading (247) or higher or RDG 085 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Writing (245) or higher or ENGL 092 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2023
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 MW 8:30 AM-9:50 AM Zamora
Spring 2023
04/05/2023-06/23/2023 MWF 8:30 AM-9:50 AM Burns
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.

View past class requirements for this program.
Select the year closest to the year started, without going over, to see program requirements for a student who started the program that year:

Program Outcomes

Demonstrate competency in their ability to operate machine shop equipment: lathes, mills, grinders, and drills
Demonstrate competency in their ability to read and interpret blueprints per industry standards
Successfully demonstrate their ability to process and plan a piece part through the lab until completion
Demonstrate competency in CNC machine tool operation and programming
Demonstrate competency in CAM design and manufacturing

Employment Outlook

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.

Faculty & Support

Jacen Johnson

Degrees and Credentials
Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State
AAS, Precision Machining, Bellingham Technical College

Jeffrey Halfacre

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 rogrammer/prototyper/consultant for acoustic guitar parts supplier Pacific Rim Tonewoods in Concrete. Jeff started at BTC in July, 2014.

Degrees and Credentials
Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State
AAS, Precision Machining, Bellingham Technical College

Winter 2023
	01/04/2023-03/24/2023	TTh	10:30 AM-12:40 PM	Hegeberg
Spring 2023
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023	MWF	8:30 AM-9:50 AM	Hegeberg

Winter 2023
	01/04/2023-03/24/2023	MW	1:30 PM-2:30 PM	Johnson
		F	8:00 AM-10:00 AM	Johnson

Winter 2023
	01/04/2023-03/24/2023	MW	9:50 AM-11:05 AM	Johnson
	01/04/2023-03/24/2023	MW	11:30 AM-1:30 PM	Johnson

Winter 2023
	01/04/2023-03/24/2023	TTh	8:00 AM-10:10 AM	Gernand
Spring 2023
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023	TTh	10:30 AM-12:40 PM	Gernand

Spring 2023
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023	MW	11:30 AM-2:30 PM	Johnson
		F	8:00 AM-10:00 AM	Johnson

Machining

Machining

Machining - Certificate - Principles of Machining and CNC Operation

Employment Information

Estimated Program Costs

Entry

When Can I Start?

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

What are My Next Steps?

Classes

Total Program Credits: 55

Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

View past class requirements for this program.

Program Outcomes

Employment Outlook

Faculty & Support

Jacen Johnson

Degrees and Credentials

Jeffrey Halfacre

Degrees and Credentials