MACHINISTS AND MACHINE TOOL PROGRAMMERS California Occupational Guide Number 9 Interest Area 5-C 1995
THE JOB
MACHINISTS AND MACHINE TOOL PROGRAMMERS produce precision metal parts using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and grinders to shape rough metal stock into intricate products and parts that meet precise specifications. Machine tooled parts, such as gears, pistons, and cutting blades, are used in all kinds of production and transportation equipment and many other industrial, commercial, and consumer products. Workers are classified according to machine tools used and level of knowledge, skill, and judgment required. All-around general Machinists are fully qualified, journey-level crafts workers, who can set up and operate all the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variations. In addition, these workers have sufficient understanding of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics to handle a metalworking project from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing. Machinists may review blueprints, written specifications, or descriptions, or they may examine a damaged part. They select the most appropriate machines, cutting tools, and materials for the job, plan the sequence of machining operations, and make the required mathematical calculations. They lay out and mark the metal stock to show where the cuts should be made. After the layout is completed, Machinists perform machining operations. They position and fasten the workpiece, mount the correct type of cutting tool, set the controls, and perform the required operations. Specifications often require tolerances (high precision) of thousandths or even ten-thousandths of an inch. As machines become more complex, tolerances specifications equal to 1/20th of a strand of hair will become common. Machinists periodically check their progress using micrometers and other precision measuring instruments to be sure the item conforms to specifications. After completing the machining operations, Machinists may finish, fit, and assemble the final part. Maintenance Machinists overhaul and renovate equipment and machinery. They diagnose equipment malfunctions and repair or fabricate new parts, using machine tools and metalworking techniques. They may also install new equipment. Experimental or Prototype Machinists, assist designers and engineers to develop new products and production processes. Working from rough engineering sketches or verbal instructions, these Machinists use their experience and ingenuity to devise practical methods to produce experimental tooling and parts and to build complete working prototype models for testing. Tool Programmers begin projects in the same way as Machinists do. Then they write a computer program in the language of the machine's controller and store it. Increasingly, Machinists are required to write programs, and a growing number of firms have computer-aided (CAD) systems that are used to write programs.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most machine shops are relatively clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated. However, the job can be noisy and hazardous. Typical hazards are flying metal chips, abrasive dust, sharp cutting tools, and moving parts. Safety glasses and other protective devices help to reduce accidental injuries. Journey-level Machinists and Specialist Machinists are usually expected to have their own hand tools and precision measuring instruments. Most machine shops supply tools for new workers to use while they are acquiring their own sets. Many machine tool workers are members of unions. Depending upon the type and location of the employer, these workers may belong to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) or other labor organizations.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. These figures represent the Machinist occupational group. Estimated number of workers in 1990 41,400 Estimated number of workers in 2005 45,480 Projected Growth 1990 - 2005 10% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 15,470 (These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.) Slow growth is projected for Machinist jobs, but new jobs for Tool Programmers are expected to decline as more firms now use computer-aided (CAD) systems to write programs. However, over 15,000 workers will leave these occupations permanently to retire or for other reasons. Employers report difficulty attracting workers into machining and tool programming occupations in recent years. Good opportunities should continue for candidates with mechanical skills and mathematical ability.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The California Cooperative Occupational Information System (CCOIS) reported the following results from their 1994 wage surveys. Hourly wages for Machinists and Machine Tool Specialists Entry-level: $4.25 to $12.00 Experienced: $6.00 to $18.48 Journey-level: $10.00 to $22.00 Although most machine tool jobs are day shift, Machinists and Tool Programmers may work on any of three eight-hour shifts. Evening and night shift workers normally receive a shift premium. A forty-hour, five-day workweek is normal. Benefits almost always include paid vacation and sick leave, health and life insurance, and retirement plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
The best preparation for Machinists is a formal apprenticeship program which includes full-time work, on-the-job training and job related classroom instruction. Most apprenticeship programs are four years in length and lead to all-around journey-level status. Some two-year apprenticeships are also available, leading to specialist Machinist jobs. Apprentice applicants usually must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or qualifying scores on the General Educational Development (GED) or the California Proficiency Test. High school or vocational school courses should include mathematics, blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting. Use of computer controlled machine tools is increasing, so basic computers and electronics courses are also needed. Training in machine tool technology is available at community colleges, private trade/technical schools, and Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) which are operated by high school districts throughout the State. Machinists and Tool Programmers need mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and visual acuity. Additionally, skilled workers must be able to work independently and be temperamentally suited to do exacting work that requires close and continuous concentration.
ADVANCEMENT
Experienced machine tool operators can advance to specialist Machinist, and then to all-around journey-level Machinist or Tool Programmer as they gain experience and take additional training. In some machine shops, experienced specialist Machinists are eligible to participate in employer-sponsored skills upgrading programs and progress to full journey-level status.
FINDING THE JOB
Job seekers should apply directly to unions, local Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department, manufacturing firms and machine shops. Newspaper help wanted ads are all good sources of job leads. Contact the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards for information about apprenticeship programs.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Apprenticeship Standards 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Room 1193 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 975-2035
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Tool and Die Makers No. 15 Sheet-Metal Workers No. 49 Welders and Cutters No. 84 Metal Workers (Field and Shop Ironworkers) No. 112 Numerical Control Machine Operators No. 548
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Tool Programmer, Numerical Control 007.167-018
Machinist, Experimental 600.260-022
Machinist 600.280-022
Maintenance Machinist 600.280-042
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
NC Tool, Process Programmers 251110
Machinists 891080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group
(916) 262-2162.
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