Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machine Tool Programmers

• Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
• Program equipment to perform production tasks.
• Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
• Determine production equipment settings.
• Select production equipment according to product specifications.
• Conduct test runs of production equipment.
• Create diagrams or blueprints for workpieces or products.
• Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
• Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
• Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.

• Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
• The importance of being accurate or exact.
• Having face-to-face discussions.
• Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
• Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
• Working with a group or team.
• Exposure to sounds or noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Meeting strict deadlines.
• Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Responsibility for outcomes and results.
• Exposure to hazardous equipment.

• Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist

• Precision Metal Working

Enrolling in a community college can be a great place to start your four-year degree. While all 31 Minnesota State community colleges, technical colleges and universities offer all or part of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (a 40-credit package of general education courses accepted for transfer to other state colleges and universities, the University of Minnesota, and some private colleges and universities), not all two-year colleges offer degrees intended to transfer to a four-year bachelor's degree.

If you plan to transfer to obtain a four-year bachelor's degree, it is important to know which degree path is right for you:

• Associate of Arts (AA) degrees offered at community colleges are designed to transfer into liberal arts four-year majors.
• Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degrees offered at community and technical colleges transfer into specific four-year majors and will likely require completing additional general education courses at a university.
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees offered at technical and community colleges are not designed to transfer. They lead to immediate entry into the workplace.
• Diplomas and certificates offered at technical colleges are not designed to transfer. They lead to immediate entry into the workplace.

Talk to a transfer specialist as early as possible to determine the best associate degree for your goals. Be sure to review your Degree Audit Report (DARS) each semester to best prepare for transfer. Get more help understanding transfer using the tools below.

• Visit Transferology to see if your courses will transfer.
• Search Articulation Agreements to find formal transfer agreements between schools.

• Programming Computers —Writing computer programs for various purposes.
• Monitoring Equipment—Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Learning New Things—Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Monitoring Performance—Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Mathematics—Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Solving Complex Problems—Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Controlling Quality—Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Evaluating a System or Organization—Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

• Computers and Electronics—Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Mechanical—Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Design—Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• 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.
• Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Production and Processing—Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Public Safety and Security—Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Clerical—Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

• Conventional—Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• Investigative—Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

• Manufacturing Production Technicians
• Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators
• Mechanical Engineering Technicians
• Metal and Plastic Model Makers
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers of Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Metal and Plastic Patternmakers
• Machinists
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
• Tool and Die Makers

• Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
• Machinery Manufacturing
• Primary Metal Manufacturing
• Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing
• Printing and Related Support Activities

• Manufacturing Production Technicians
• Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators
• Mechanical Engineering Technicians
• Metal and Plastic Model Makers
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers of Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Metal and Plastic Patternmakers
• Machinists
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
• Tool and Die Makers