Precision Machining Technology

Learn the art and technology behind toolmaking in the Precision Machining Technology program at NDSCS.

 

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Precision Machining Technology
Precision Machining Technology

The Precision Machining Technology program provides students experience in machining as it pertains to machining, toolmaking and mold making.

  • Type: Certificate, A.A.S. degree
  • Locations: Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics


» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

 

Introduction to Precision Machining Technology (Certificate)

This program provides education and training in CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold making, die making, toolmaking, automated manufacturing, human relations, communications and other aspects of general education.

  • Type: Certificate
  • Locations: Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics


» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

Intermediate Precision Machining Technology (Certificate)

This program provides education and training in CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold making, die making, toolmaking, automated manufacturing, human relations, communications and other aspects of general education.

  • Type: Certificate
  • Locations: Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics


» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

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In the NDSCS Precision Machining Technology program, you’ll learn about CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold making, die making, toolmaking and automated manufacturing. 

A partnership with HAAS Automation, one of the largest CNC machine tool builders, ensures that you are learning and training on state-of-the art machining equipment.

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Precision Machining Technology Graduates from 2023-2024 Academic Year
Graduates Registered Avg. Beginning Annual Salary Reported High Annual Salary Placement Rate
4 $64605 75%

$50,000 investment in education

Group of people holding a giant donation check from Gene Haas Foundation.
10-23-2024

Article published by Bobbi Steffens at Wahpeton Daily News on October 22, 2024. 

 

There is a growing demand for precision machinists in the workforce. 

A local college has received grant funding to help reduce costs for students in that field of study. 

The Gene Haas Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to support the Precision Machining Technology department at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS). The funds will be used to award scholarships to current and future NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students. 

According to Academic Program Outreach Specialist at NDSCS Leslie Shirek, this year's grant follows a $50,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation in the fall of 2023. That grant resulted in scholarships for 10 first year Precision Machining Technology students. 

The Precision Machining Technology program provides students with vital skills in CNC programming, setup and operation, production machining, mold and die making, toolmaking, and automated manufacturing. 

“Students can utilize the scholarship dollars for tuition, tools, housing, or anything else to support their education,” said Precision Machining Technology Associate Professor/Program Coordinator Steve Johnson. “We are grateful for the Gene Haas Foundation's continued support of our program and our students. They are more for precision metalworking education than any other.” 

Three representatives from Productivity Inc. visited NDSCS to present the check on behalf of the Gene Haas Foundation. The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999, by Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, Inc., to support the needs of the local community. 

Seeing a growing need for skilled manufacturing employees industry wide, the Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond. 

By providing scholarship grants, sponsoring individual and team CNC competitions, and partnering with the very best CNC training programs in the world, the Foundation helps expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide. 

“Students are so appreciative of the financial support the Gene Haas Foundation provides them. The first ten students entering our Machining program obtain $2,500, automatically,” Shirek said. “They don’t need to apply for the scholarship, they merely need to register for classes and show up in the fall. The scholarship dollars continue on to our second year students and that is based on their GPA.” 

This important grant from the Gene Haas Foundation marks a substantial investment in the education and training of future machinists at NDSCS. It reflects the foundation’s dedication to fostering the development of highly skilled professionals in the machining industry. 

Precision machinists work with various tools and machines to create, modify, and repair precision parts and components. Their tasks typically include: 

  • CNC machining: Operating CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines to cut and shape materials like metal, plastic, and wood to exact specifications. 
  • Blueprint reading: Interpreting technical drawings and specifications to understand project requirements. 
  • Setup and calibration: Setting up machines, including selecting and installing tools, fixtures, and attachments, and calibrating equipment for precise operations. 
  • Quality control: Inspecting and measuring finished parts using tools like calipers, micrometers, and gauges to ensure they meet required tolerances and standards. 
  • Toolmaking: Designing and fabricating tools and fixtures used in the manufacturing process. 
  • Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving issues with machines, tools, or processes to maintain production efficiency. 
  • Production machining: Producing high volumes of parts, often working in a production environment where precision and speed are critical. 
  • Collaboration: Working closely with engineers and other team members to refine designs and improve manufacturing processes. 

Overall, precision machinists play a crucial role in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, ensuring high-quality components are produced accurately and efficiently. 

“It’s a great time to look into becoming a machinist. No problem finding a job, outstanding scholarships and low cost tuition,” Shirek said. “This past summer we had an extreme facelift to the Precision Machining Lab with updated floors, lights, electrical and more. Students will learn in a state of the art facility with an excellent student to faculty ratio and our incredible instructors.”

The Gene Haas Foundation donates millions of dollars every year to manufacturing education and the community. In 2022, the Gene Haas Foundation provided more than $27 million in grants, bringing the total since inception to more than $175 million.

Shayne, Cale, Zach, Ruari - SkillsUSA winners

NDSCS students earn national ranking at SkillsUSA Championships

06-27-2023
North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) students recently earned top awards at the National SkillsUSA Championships held during the National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Four NDSCS students earned the national spotlight for their achievements.

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Gene Haas Foundation continues to support NDSCS manufacturing students

Gene Haas Foundation logo
12-08-2022

The Gene Haas Foundation (GHF) has awarded a $40,000 grant to support the Precision Machining Technology program at North Dakota State College of Science. The funds will be used to award scholarships to current Precision Machining Technology students and students entering the program in the fall of 2023.

The Gene Haas Foundation, established in 1999 by the owner of Haas Automation, Inc., has a long partnership with NDSCS to support machining and manufacturing students. Since 2018, Precision Machining Technology program students have received $176,000 in scholarship support from the Foundation.

First-year student Jacob Roberts of Jamestown, N.D., received a GHF scholarship this fall and said the financial support took the pressure off paying for college allowing him to focus on his studies. “I love it,” he said of the Precision Machining Technology program. “I like making things to this precision. I could talk about it for hours upon hours, and I get to follow this passion into a career path.”

Students in the NDSCS Precision Machining Technology program learn about CNC (Computer Numerical Control) programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold making, die making, toolmaking and automated manufacturing. “There is high demand for skilled machinists,” said Steve Johnson, department chair of Precision Machining Technology and NDSCS Haas Technology Education Center director. “We don’t have nearly enough graduates for the number of positions available. Scholarships from the Gene Haas Foundation help attract and recruit people to pursue careers in manufacturing.” Additional information about the NDSCS Precision Machining Technology program can be found online at NDSCS.edu/Machining.

The purpose of the Gene Haas Foundation is to build skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships for CNC Machine Technology students and NIMS Credentials. The Foundation donates millions of dollars every year to manufacturing education.

 

Article written by NDSCS and submitted to external news outlets. 

NDSCS receives $500,000 grant for Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing

Gene Haas Foundation logo
12-01-2022

North Dakota State College of Science has been awarded a $500,000 naming rights grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to upgrade Precision Machining Technology program facilities. Once complete, the newly named Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing will strengthen NDSCS’ capacity to attract and educate the next generation of machinists to meet growing workforce needs.

The mission of the Gene Haas Foundation is to introduce young people to careers in manufacturing and improve the pathway by providing students with resources and impactful experiences. “We strongly believe in the value of CTE education to transform lives, enhance a workforce and sustain an important industry that is fundamental to our nation,” said Kathy Looman, director of education and Gene Haas Centers naming grants. “North Dakota State College of Science has been a leader in training for careers in the manufacturing industry for many years with an excellent team of educators who embrace cutting-edge technology. NDSCS is also a leader in the education community, mentoring and supporting programs across the country to share best practices with other education programs. These are just a couple of the many reasons we have chosen NDSCS as a Gene Haas Center.”

NDSCS became one of the first Haas Technology Education Centers (HTEC) in the United States. This partnership helped NDSCS establish an advanced manufacturing learning lab with state-of-the-art equipment and connect its instructors to professional training and networking. “The College’s longstanding partnership with Haas Automation gives our students the best educational experience possible,” said Steve Johnson, department chair of Precision Machining Technology and NDSCS HTEC director. “Our students are competing with their peers at a national level and they’re winning. That speaks volumes to our faculty and our facilities.”

The grant will fund renovations to the Haas Technology Education Center in the Tech Center on NDSCS’ Wahpeton campus. In conjunction with facility updates, the grant will be used to rename the CNC lab to the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing. NDSCS President Rod Flanigan believes the relationship with the Gene Haas Foundation is critical for the sustainability of the Precision Machining Technology program. “We are grateful for their contributions, which allow us to extend the College’s impact on meeting workforce needs in this high-tech industry,” said Flanigan.

Students in the NDSCS Precision Machining Technology program learn about CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold making, die making, toolmaking and automated manufacturing. Additional information about the NDSCS Precision Machining Technology program can be found online at NDSCS.edu/Machining.

The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999 by Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, Inc., to support the needs of the local community through grants to local charities such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Food Share, Rescue Mission, and others.

Seeing a growing need for skilled manufacturing employees industry-wide, the Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond. By providing scholarship grants, sponsoring individual and team CNC competitions, and partnering with the very best CNC training programs in the world, the Foundation helps expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide.

The Gene Haas Foundation donates millions of dollars every year to manufacturing education and the community. In 2021-2022, the Gene Haas Foundation provided more than $22 million in grants, bringing the total since its inception to more than $150 million.

 

Article written by NDSCS and submitted to external news outlets. 

Gene Haas Foundation awards grants to support NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students

NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students, faculty and administrators were on hand when Dave Chase, Productivity, Inc. Machine Tool Sales Representative, visited the department to present a check for $36,000.
01-31-2022

The Gene Haas Foundation (GHF) has awarded a $36,000 grant to support the Precision Machining Technology department at the North Dakota State College of Science. The funds will be used to award scholarships to current and future NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students. Representatives from Productivity, Inc. visited to present the check on behalf of the Gene Haas Foundation. 

An additional $18,000 was received as a result of the North Dakota 1:2 Challenge Grant - that will be awarded to incoming students ($2,000 each to 9 students) in the fall of 2022. 

This year's grant follows a tradition of giving from the Gene Haas Foundation. From 2018-2020, the Gene Haas Foundation has awarded $100,000 with 64 students benefiting from these scholarships. 

The purpose of the Gene Haas Foundation is to build skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships for CNC Machine Technology students and NIMS Credentials. The Gene Haas Foundation was founded in 1999 by Gene Haas, the owner of Haas Automation, Inc., America's leading builder of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools. 

NDSCS became one of the first Haas Technology Education Center's (HTEC) in the United States. The Gene Haas Foundation has consistently provided scholarships to NDSCS for over 10 years. Interim President Harvey Link says, "This is a result of excellent teaching, dedication to the industry and company partnerships."

Students in the NDSCS Precision Machining Technology program learn about CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold-making, die-making, toolmaking and automated manufacturing. Additional, information about the NDSCS Precision Machining Technology program can be found online at ndscs.edu/machining.

NDSCS Students Excel at North Dakota SkillsUSA Contest

Old Main
05-09-2019

Students from the North Dakota State College of Science received a number of awards at the North Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, which was held at NDSCS in April. By achieving gold medals at the state level, 13 of these students qualified to compete in their respective categories at the national SkillsUSA Championships, which will be held in Louisville, Ky. in June.

The NDSCS students who received gold, silver or bronze medals at the state competition include:

NORTH DAKOTA
Bismarck:
 Morgan Berg, Welding, Silver; Charlie Jacobson, Welding Fabrication, Gold; Tanner Klein, Motorcycle Service Technology, Gold; Summer Peterson, Culinary Arts, Gold; Kolby Wetch, Diesel Equipment Technology, Gold
Dickinson: Jakob Ohl, Automotive Service Technology, Gold
Fargo: Dylan Erdmann, CNC Turning Specialist, Bronze; Bryan Sholts, Power Equipment Technology, Gold
Granville: Chase Brodehl, Plumbing, Gold
Jamestown: Dillon Bischoff, Diesel Equipment Technology, Silver; Nate Klose, HVAC, Silver; Jason Schulte, HVAC, Bronze
Lidgerwood: Daniel Novotny, Automotive Service Technology, Bronze
Mandan: Trae Bennett, Welding Fabrication, Gold
Rolette: Tanner Anderson, Diesel Equipment Technology, Bronze
South Heart: Oliver Kelly, Plumbing, Silver
Wahpeton: Drew Bajumpaa, HVAC, Gold
Williston: Steven Fixen, Electrical Construction Wiring, Gold

MINNESOTA
Barnesville: 
Jalen Plath, Power Equipment Technology, Silver; Tyler Stage, Power Equipment Technology, Bronze
East Grand Forks: Nick Jundt, Welding Fabrication, Gold
Fergus Falls: Jack Jacobs, Welding, Gold
Frazee: Ryan Roble, Electrical Construction Wiring, Silver
Hallock: Carson Thorsteinson, CNC Technician, Gold
Ortonville: Travis Kellen, Welding, Bronze

MONTANA
Glendive:
 David Rennie, Automotive Service Technology, Silver

WISCONSIN
Durand: 
Mike Burda, CNC Milling Specialist, Silver

NDSCS students earn awards at National SkillsUSA Championships

Old Main at night
09-07-2018

Three students from the North Dakota State College of Science earned medals at the national SkillsUSA Championships this summer.

  • Tanner Klein, a Powersports Technology student from Bismarck, N.D., earned a gold medal in the Power Equipment Technology category. This contest tested student skills in all areas of this technology, including two- and four-cycle engines and the related theories that go along with them, drive trains, hydraulics, wiring schematics and customer service.
  • Chandler Rheault, a Welding Technology student from Fargo, N.D., secured a silver medal in the Welding Sculpture category. Welding Sculpture contestants demonstrate their ability to develop a design and produce a welding sculpture of that design, as well as deliver a presentation regarding all aspects of the design creation.
  • John Heidt, a Precision Machining Technology student from Dickinson, N.D., received a bronze medal in the CNC Turning Specialist category. In this contest, contestants are assessed on their ability to write Computer Numeric Control (CNC) turning and milling programs, interpret prints, and measure/gage parts.

The SkillsUSA Championships took place as part of the SkillsUSA 54th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), a showcase of career and technical education students. During the week, more than 6,300 career and technical education students competed hands-on in 102 different trade, technical and leadership fields.

NDSCS Students Excel at North Dakota SkillsUSA Contest

Old Main steeple
04-17-2018

Students from the North Dakota State College of Science received a number of awards at the North Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, which was held at NDSCS earlier this month. By achieving gold medals at the state level, 14 of these students qualified to compete in their respective categories at the national SkillsUSA Championships, which will be held in Louisville, Ky. in June.

The NDSCS students who received gold, silver or bronze medals at the state competition include:

ALASKA
Fairbanks: 
Keegan Chapin, Automotive Service Technology, Bronze

MINNESOTA
Battle Lake: 
Caleb Bellig, Welding Fabrication, Gold
Cyrus: Eric Larson, Electrical Construction Wiring, Gold
Frazee: Ryan Bade, Collision Repair Technology, Gold
Moorhead: John Baumgardner, CNC Technician, Bronze
Sartell: Cole Mortiz, Welding, Gold
Spicer: Trey Johnson, Plumbing, Silver
Spring Grove: Mitch Anderson, Welding Fabrication, Gold

NORTH DAKOTA
Bismarck:
 Tanner Klein, Power Equipment Technology, Gold
Dickinson: John Heidt, CNC Turning Specialist, Gold; Shelby Kilwein, Diesel Equipment Technology, Silver; Caleb Krebs, Diesel Equipment Technology, Gold
Fargo: Chandler Rheault, Welding Sculpture, Gold; Rebecca Roberts, Welding Sculpture, Silver
Jamestown: Kyle Schumacher, Automotive Service Technology, Gold; Dylan Staloch, Automotive Refinishing Technology, Gold
Lisbon: Cassie Witte, Culinary Arts, Gold
Milnor: Taylor Busche, Plumbing, Gold
Minot: Mason Bahl, Welding, Silver; Henry Lemar, Automotive Service Technology, Silver
Napoleon: Jake Bakken, Plumbing, Bronze
Oakes: Brittney Harty, Culinary Arts, Silver
Rugby: Ethan Clements, Welding Fabrication, Gold
West Fargo: Joe Shook, CNC Milling Specialist, Bronze
Wahpeton: Austin Berger, Automotive Refinishing Technology, Silver
Walcott: Jordan Mead, Diesel Equipment Technology, Bronze
Williston: Steven Fixen, Electrical Construction Wiring, Silver

SOUTH DAKOTA
Aberdeen: 
Schyler Kumpf, Collision Repair Technology, Bronze