Machining

Machining - AAS

Prepare for your career on your schedule with BTC’s newly updated flexible Machining program, where you’ll get hands-on learning with instructor-led shop time paired with interactive online content that you can complete at times that work for you.

Machinists drive our nation’s manufacturing, using technical expertise to cut metal, plastic, and other materials into precision parts that are critical to industry. Machinists set-up and run manual and computer numerical control (CNC) mills and lathes, then inspect their parts with precision measuring tools using blueprints with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). In BTC’s two-year Machining program, you’ll learn the real-world skills needed to make and verify components used in aerospace, marine, automotive, food and beverage processing, petroleum, mold making, medical device, musical instrument, and heavy equipment industries.

Graduates of the Machining program are prepared to work as entry-level machinists, CNC operators, and CNC programmers. With experience, you can advance to journey-level machinist, advanced CNC programmer, metrology technician, or engineer.

Machining Technology Video

Employment Information

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

81% BTC graduate placement rate¹

$60,276 starting annual wage²
$83,806 average annual wage²
$96,512 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
Estimated costs based on 6 quarters to complete this program
The first quarter of study will likely be more expensive as students pay for materials needed to start the program.
Average Tuition and Fees per Quarter: $3,200
Average cost per credit: $198
Total Tuition and Fees: $19,200
Total Tools: $468
Total Other: $10
Average annual cost of living in Bellingham
Living expenses (housing and food): $16,512
Transportation: $1,935
Miscellaneous/Personal: $1,800
TOTAL: $20,247

Tuition Fees and Rates overview page

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

This program typically admits students once a year in the Fall quarter.

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: 97

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:
Placement into AENGL 100 and AMATH 100. Corequisites: MACH 115 and MACH 181.
Current & Future Offerings:

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.
Prerequisites:
Placement into AMATH 100 or completion of ABE 050 with a C or higher.

Current & Future Offerings:

Spring 2025
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	TTh	2:10 PM-4:20 PM	Maniatis	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.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	MW	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Hegeberg	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Johnson	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.
Summer 2025
07/08/2025-08/29/2025			Maniatis	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.
Find in ctcLink
Fall 2025
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	MW	2:10 PM-4:20 PM	Hegeberg	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.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	MW	11:50 AM-1:10 PM	Hegeberg	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Johnson	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.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Johnson	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.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	T	5:30 PM-7:40 PM	Maniatis	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink

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 110 with a C or higher. Co-requisites: MACH 182
Current & Future Offerings:

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:
Placement into AENGL 100 or completion of ENGL 095 with a C or higher.

Current & Future Offerings:

Spring 2025
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	MW	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Barber	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	TTh	2:10 PM-4:20 PM	Barber	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.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Gordon	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.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Gordon	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.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Bracy	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.
Summer 2025
07/08/2025-08/29/2025			Bracy	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.
Find in ctcLink
Fall 2025
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	Th	8:30 AM-10:40 AM	Barber	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Gordon	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.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	TTh	11:50 AM-1:10 PM	Barber	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Gordon	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.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	W	8:30 AM-10:40 AM	Richards	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink

or higher
Quarter 3

Introduction to CNC Machining and Programming

5 CR

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:

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:
Placement into AENGL 100 or higher or completion of ENGL 095 with a C or higher.

Current & Future Offerings:

Spring 2025
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	TTh	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Burns	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	MW	11:50 AM-1:10 PM	Burns	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Zamora	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.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Zamora	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.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	T	2:10 PM-4:20 PM	Burns	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Waters	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.
Summer 2025
07/08/2025-08/29/2025			Burns	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.
Find in ctcLink
07/08/2025-08/29/2025			Burns	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.
Find in ctcLink
Fall 2025
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	MW	11:40 AM-1:50 PM	Burns	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.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	Th	2:10 PM-4:20 PM	Burns	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Zamora	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.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Burns	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.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	T	2:10 PM-4:20 PM	Zamora	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink

Quarter 4

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

Quarter 5

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

Quarter 6

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

View past class requirements for this program.
Select the year you started or the closest prior:

Program Outcomes

After successfully completing the AAS degree, students will be able to:

Operate machine shop equipment such as manual lathes, manual mills, and band saws.
Read and interpret blueprints per industry standards with an emphasis on GD&T.
Develop and execute a plan to create parts to print specifications.
Read, write, and edit G-code.
Create CNC programs using conversational programming.
Operate CNC mills and lathes while using a variety of machine controls.
Demonstrate competency in CAD and CAM software, with an emphasis on CAM programming to create complex toolpaths for both CNC mills and lathes.
Validate parts using measuring equipment like calipers, micrometers, bore gages, electronic height gages, and CMMs.

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

Machining

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

Jeffrey Halfacre

Machining

Personal Bio
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.

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

Contacts

If you have questions about this program or want help with the admissions steps to Bellingham Technical College, please email outreach@btc.edu.

Current students wanting academic planning and support, can connect with the program Instructor(s) or email AdvancedManufacturingNav@btc.edu

Winter 2026
01/06/2026-03/27/2026	Johnson	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.
Spring 2026
04/07/2026-06/25/2026	Johnson	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.

Spring 2025
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	MW	12:30 PM-2:40 PM	Holt	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.
Winter 2026
01/06/2026-03/27/2026	TTh	10:10 AM-12:20 PM	Morgan	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.
Spring 2026
04/07/2026-06/25/2026	TTh	8:30 AM-10:40 AM	Holt	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.

Spring 2025
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	TTh	8:00 AM-10:00 AM	Johnson	Face to Face
LAB	TTh	10:00 AM-11:00 AM	Johnson	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.
Spring 2026
04/07/2026-06/25/2026			Johnson	Online Asynchronous
LAB			Johnson	Face to Face
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.

Fall 2025
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	MW	8:30 AM-10:30 AM	Halfacre	Face to Face
LAB	MW	10:30 AM-11:30 AM	Halfacre	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.
Find in ctcLink

Fall 2025
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	MW	12:00 PM-1:00 PM	Halfacre	Face to Face
LAB	MW	1:00 PM-2:00 PM	Halfacre	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.
Find in ctcLink

Winter 2026
01/06/2026-03/27/2026	TTh	8:30 AM-10:25 AM	Halfacre	Hybrid Synchronous
LAB	TTh	10:25 AM-11:20 AM	Halfacre	Face to Face
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.

Winter 2026
01/06/2026-03/27/2026	MW	12:05 PM-1:05 PM	Halfacre	Face to Face
LAB	MW	1:05 PM-2:05 PM	Halfacre	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.

Spring 2025
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	TTh	10:30 AM-12:30 PM	Halfacre	Hybrid Synchronous
LAB	TTh	1:00 PM-3:30 PM	Halfacre	Face to Face
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Spring 2026
04/07/2026-06/25/2026	TTh	10:30 AM-12:30 PM	Halfacre	Hybrid Synchronous
LAB	TTh	1:00 PM-3:30 PM	Halfacre	Face to Face
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.

Machining

Machining

Machining - AAS

Employment Information

Employment and Wage Data Sources

Estimated Program Costs

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

What are My Next Steps?

Classes

Total Program Credits: 97

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

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Quarter 5

Quarter 6

View past class requirements for this program.

Program Outcomes

Employment Outlook

Faculty & Support

Jacen Johnson

Degrees and Credentials

Jeffrey Halfacre

Personal Bio

Degrees and Credentials

Contacts