How to Become a Machinist
Ready to discover how to become a machinist? Entry-level positions provide on-the-job training or apprenticeships to acquire skills and knowledge. A passion for working with machinery helps. It takes 12-18 months of training or a 1-2 year apprenticeship to become competent. Machinists make metal parts and tools by operating machines. Key roles include monitoring equipment and critical thinking to solve problems. Good reading comprehension and listening skills are essential to follow instructions properly. High school math, metalworking, drafting, and blueprint reading classes are useful. Gaining job experience by shadowing a machinist builds skills too. With hard work and dedication, anyone can become a machinist. Education, experience with tools, analytical, and manual dexterity skills are key. Practice makes perfect.
How Hard is it to be a Machinist?
One of the best things about becoming a machinist is that there is a fairly low barrier to entry level positions. Many machinists start working right out of high school, with 12-18 months of on-the-job training or a 1-2 year apprenticeship. While physical strength can be an advantage, it is not always a necessity. A passion for working with machinery helps.
Is Being a Machinist Stressful?
One of the best things about becoming a machinist is that there is a fairly low barrier to entry level positions. Many machinists start working right out of high school, with 12-18 months of on-the-job training or a 1-2 year apprenticeship. While physical strength can be an advantage, it is not always a necessity. Entry-level positions provide on-the-job training or apprenticeships to acquire skills and knowledge. High school math, metalworking, drafting, and blueprint reading classes are useful. Gaining job experience by shadowing a machinist builds skills too.