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Getting Started

Whether you want to earn a degree, improve your skills, get certified, train for a new career, or explore a new hobby, you can choose from many programs and courses.

Get Started
What type of student are you? New Student Returning Transfer Visiting International College Credit Plus Non-Credit All Student Types

Classes & Programs

Explore your interests and find a program that puts you on the path to a bright future. Tri-C offers both credit and non-credit courses as well as certificate programs in most career fields.

View all

Degree Programs & Certificates

More than 1,000 credit courses are offered each semester in more than 200 career and technical programs. Tri-C also grants short-term certificates, certificates of proficiency and post-degree professional certificates.

View A-Z Program List

Workforce Training & Professional Development

Tri-C's Workforce Training provides both non-credit and credit training for individuals and businesses to assist individuals with skills leading to employment. Tri-C's Corporate College provides professional development and corporate training opportunities.

Learn more

Community Programming for Adults & Youth

Tri-C offers a variety of affordable and convenient community programs for both adults and youth. These programs are designed to promote individual development.

Learn more
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CNC Machining and Composite Manufacturing

CNC Machining and Composite Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship
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  • CNC Machining and Composite Manufacturing Certificate Pre-Apprenticeship

CNC Machining and Composite Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship

School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Computer Science

Area of Study: CNC Machining and Composite Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship
Degree/Certificate: Short Term Certificate
Academic School: Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Computer Science

Program Sequence Program Outcomes
Cost of Attendance Apply to Tri-C

The CNC Machining Pre-Apprenticeship program prepares students for a career as a precision machinist.

This short-term certificate will provide the foundation for precision machinist trade principles, conventional machining operations and computer applications of modern manufacturing technology. Students will engage in technical, hands-on training on CNC machines similar to those used to create parts for the auto, aerospace and agriculture industries.

Highlights include:

  • Completion of the program in under seven months
  • Convenient classes available during the day and evening
  • Stackable credits toward a registered CNC/machining apprenticeship or Associate of Applied Science in Applied Industrial Technology
  • Ability to apply for formal apprenticeship programs
  • Preparation for an entry-level machine tool trade position (starting salary of $19-$22 per hour)

Graduates will learn the following skills:

  • Mastery of shop mathematics, blueprint reading, machining processes, precision layout, measurement and more
  • Ability to safely operate:
    • Engine lathes
    • Drill presses
    • Surface grinders
    • Horizontal and vertical mills
    • CNC machining and turning centers
  • Understanding of composite and polymer types used in manufacturing precision components
  • Operation of injection molding equipment
  • Preparedness for entry-level careers as manufacturing technicians or CNC programmers/operators

  • Scholarships, grants and financial aid are available for those who qualify.
  • Students ages 17-24 can contact Tri-C’s Advanced Technology Academy about its no-cost programs.

  • State-issued Pre-Apprenticeship Certification (industry-recognized credential worth 12 points toward high school graduation)
  • Certificate of Competency from the Workforce, Community and Economic Development division

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Career Outlook

How to reach us

Otto Ferguson
Director, Precision Machining Technology
otto.ferguson@tri-c.edu

Wendy Cox
Program Coordinator
216-987-3064
gwendolyn.cox@tri-c.edu

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700 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

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