CareerZone
Machinists
An occupation in Engineering and Technologies
This occupation is in demand in the High Growth industry: Automotive
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Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.


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Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.


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1. Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.

2. Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials onto machines.

3. Select the appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used in preparation of machinery work.

4. Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.

5. Machine parts to specifications using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.

6. Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools to perform precision machining operations.

7. Measure, examine, and test completed units to detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments such as micrometers.

8. Set controls to regulate machining, or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.

9. Position and fasten work pieces.

10. Maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

11. Observe and listen to operating machines or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions and to determine need for adjustments or repairs.


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Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.


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Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.


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Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.


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The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Machinists. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Machinists, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkMachine Tool Technology/Machinist. - A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures in which materials are cast, formed, shaped, molded, heat treated, cut, twisted, pressed, fused, stamped or worked.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkMachine Shop Technology/Assistant. - A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to fabricate and modify metal parts in support of other manufacturing, repair or design activities, or as an independent business.


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In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$24,330 for entry level workers, and $45,020 for experienced workers.


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Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Least Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 14,480 Machinists employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 12,720  employed in NY. This represents a decrease of 0 job(s) each year, and a total of 220 job openings each year.


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Student Learning Assistance Center Math Tutorials - Looking to help your students get the most out of their math education? These math tutorials contain lessons for basic mathematics, algebra and geometry, precalculus and calculus. Interactive review exercises, powerpoint slides and easily printed text are included.

InterMath - InterMath is a professional development effort designed to support teachers in becoming better mathematics educators. It focuses on building teachers' mathematical content knowledge through mathematical investigations that are supported by technology. Lesson plans include handouts.

Math Dude: See How Cool Math Can Be Algebra Video Series - The Math Dude, a new video series helps middle and high school students improve their Algebra skills. These fast?paced programs are aimed at helping students with Algebra I and each five- to seven-minute episode may be viewed online through podcasts and iTunes.

Illuminations: Lessons - Illuminations is designed to provide standards based resources that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students. The collection of 524 lessons for preK12 math educators is easily sorted by age group and topic.

Mrs. Glosser's Math Goodies - Mrs. Glosser's Math Goodies' interactive math lessons, puzzles and worksheets are self-paced learning modules ideal for students of all ages and abilities and aspire to the NCTM Standards for Teaching mathematics. These interactive math lessons were created to help children develop problem-solving skills.

Machinists - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Columbia Education Center's Math Mini-Lessons (High School) - Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.

Columbia Education Center's Math Mini-Lessons (Intermediate) - Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.

Columbia Education Center's Math Mini-Lessons (Elementary) - Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.

Children's Summer Programs:Technology Enrichment Program - This program will give incoming 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders a chance to discover their interests and talents through hands-on, activity-packed learning sessions. Students will be given the opportunity to explore several dynamic areas that include: World of Magnets,Electronics, Transportation and Machines.

Tools for Understanding: A Resource Guide for Extending Mathematical Understanding in Secondary Schools - This site is intended for educators who teach mathematics and are interested in integrating common technologies into their daily instruction. While much of this site focuses on mathematics, there are a number of lessons and activities that are intended to blend mathematics with writing and make use of mathematical reasoning in other content areas such as social studies.

Children's Summer Programs, Technology Enrichment Program - Discover your interests and talents through hands on, activity packed learning sessions that include the mystery involved in magic, explore the world of color and mirrors, learn to use different ?keys? to open the many doors of science and more!

Goudreau Museum of Mathematics in Art and Science - The Goudreau Math Museum offers workshops for staff development. Workshops can be done either at the Goudreau Museum, located in New Hyde Park, NY, or at your school. The topics include using teddy bears, clowns and animals to help young children develop logical thinking to use as a problem-solving strategy, the concepts of shape, balance, symmetry, reflection, and 2-3 and 3-d space using geometric shapes to develop Art-Tessellations and a look at some surprising places to find math in and out of the classroom are available.

Illuminations: Activities - Illuminations is designed to provide standards based resources that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students. The library of 90 online activities sorted by age group help to make math come alive in the classroom or at home.

Machinists - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Beginner's Guide to Aeronautics - Do you ever wonder how airplanes fly? How does a pilot control the movement of the airplane? Why are the engines on an airliner different from the engines on a fighter plane? The information at this site is provided by the NASA Glenn Educational Programs Office to give you a better understanding of how aircraft work. Each page at this site describes a single topic related to basic airplane aerodynamics, propulsion, rockets, or kites.

Johnnie's Math Page - Johnnie's Math Page is a collection of K8 interactive math activities gathered by an elementary math teacher. This is great for individual practice or whole-group interactive whiteboard use. The activities include measurement, fractions, multiplication and more.


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Mechanical Engineering Technicians - Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, and test machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

Millwrights - Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers - Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers - Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic - Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects.

Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters - Use hand-welding or flame-cutting equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers - Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.


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