MACHINING TECHNOLOGY
PATHWAY
CUT | SHAPE | REFINE
Students are eligible to earn National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) industry recognized certifications along the pathway.
Earn Stackable Workforce Credentials
The Machining Technology Pathway is built on stackable workforce credentials with employment and advancement opportunities in the local economy.
Basic Certificate
Advanced Certificate
Associate In Applied Science
Fuel Your Future With Precision
Machining is a manufacturing process used to shape metal into precise components through cutting, drilling, and grinding. In terms of annual spending, it is one of the most significant manufacturing methods in the industry.
Machinists work in independent machine shops and a variety of manufacturing facilities. They interpret blueprints, sketches, planning sheets, and even verbal instructions to operate lathes, mills, and other equipment to produce custom machine parts.
At Amarillo College, our Machining program offers hands-on, high-quality training in a fully equipped machine lab. We provide a tailored set of entry-level skills that meet the needs of our industrial partners. Our goal is for every student earning a certificate to graduate with the proficiency and competence needed to thrive in the workforce.
Basic Certificate
*Potential Dual Credit Options
Required Courses
- Basic Machine Shop I
- Basic Machine Shop II
- Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Processes
- Print Reading for Machining Trades
- Technical Math Applications
Machine Operator Assistants
*Median Wage
- $17.25 / hour
Advanced Certificate
Required Courses
- Advanced CNC Machining
- Advanced Machining I
- Advanced Machining II
- Fundamentals of Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Machine Controls
- Intermediate Machining I
- Intermediate Machining II
- NIMS Credentialing
- NIMS Credentialing I
- NIMS Credentialing III
Machinist Assistants
*Median Wage
- $24.64 / hour
Machinist
*Median Wage
- $24.92 / hour
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Required Courses
- English Composition I
- Language, Philosophy & Culture or Creative Arts
- Mathematics
- Social & Behavioral Science
- Speech
Machinist Apprentice, Tool & Die Apprentice
Median Wage
- $27.00 / hour
The figures quoted (as of 02/06/25) represent the median wages for the Panhandle of Texas, gathered and analyzed by Lightcast, a labor market analytics company that provides data and insights on workforce trends, skills demand, and job market dynamics.