The Machine Shop: Your Start to an Excellent Future

New River Community College offers an excellent program for Machine Shop students. This program provides individuals with basic machining concepts, blueprint reading and inspection procedures. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be prepared for employment as basic machine tool operators. Occupational objectives are lathe operator, drill press operator, inspector and tool crib attendant. Admission requirements are those established for the college. The program focuses primarily on set-up and operation of basic machine tools. Instruction in math and blueprint reading is required to provide basic competencies necessary in the field. This can be your start to an excellent future with an above average salary.

NRCC Machine TECHNOLOGY COURSES:

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Not sure which courses you need to take? Talk with an academic advisor for assistance or visit the catalog and choose your program of study.

Outcomes and Opportunities

Outcomes

Graduates of this program will:

• Be proficient with a wide range of advanced manufacturing skills including machining, computer numerical control, blueprint reading, metrology, advanced computer aided manufacturing, and general education courses that will prepare them for growth in the work force as supervisors, managers, or small business owners/entrepreneurs.
• Operate high-performance machine tools such as manual and CNC lathes, mills and water jet machining and robotic manufacturing centers.
• Learn required machine shop processes including safety, machine maintenance, precision measurement and quality control.

NC3 Certifications

NC3 Certifications are offered within the MAC 250 Metrology (The scientific study of measurement) class. Learn more about NCE by visiting their website.

National Coalition of Training Centers - Advanced Measuring Instruments Certificates:

• Primary Standards
• Support and Layout
• Surface Finish Inspection and Hardness Testing
• Flexible Measuring Tools
• Optical Comparator
• Data Sure - Statistical Measurement Capture

Opportunities

New River Community College’s Machine Technology programs offer broad opportunities for students. Students selecting the Associate of Applied Science Degree will obtain positions in high-skilled areas of advanced manufacturing. Typical positions include Manual or CNC Machinists, CNC Programmers, Millwrights, and positions in Quality Control, Inspection and Metrology. Graduates of Career Studies Certificates will obtain entry-level positions in the advanced manufacturing industry or obtain career advancement opportunities.

The New River Valley is home to a large number of advanced manufacturers, small precision machine shops, and educational institutions who employ Machine Technology graduates. The number of local job opportunities is growing, and skilled machinists are in demand. According to ZipRecruiter, Christiansburg is ranked in the top 10 cities for highest machinist salaries in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Glass Door reports salary ranges up to $76,000 in Virginia for CNC machinists, as base pay. There is currently a shortage of machinists in the industry. NRCC graduates are regularly recruited locally and from employers in the Commonwealth of Virginia, North Carolina, and other locations. Machinists tend to advance well in their careers, obtaining salary increases, and are provided with opportunities for advancement.

Enrollment Support:

ACADEMIC CALENDARS: