Career Development Resources

Blueprint Reading

The ability to interpret technical drawings that communicate design intent.

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Shop Math

The practical application of mathematical concepts in a manufacturing environment.

CNC Operation

The activity of setting up and running CNC machines to cut precision parts.

CNC Setup

Setting up fixtures, tools, offsets, and programs on CNC machines.

CNC Programming

Creating the G-code and M-code programs that run CNC machines.

CMM Operation

Using CMMs to inspect and verify the dimensional accuracy of parts.

CMM Programming

Writing the instructions that CM probes follow to measure part geometries.

CAD

The use of CAD software to create digital models and technical drawings.

CAM

The use of CAM software to generate toolpaths and machine instructions.

GD&T

The symbolic language used on engineering drawings to communicate design intent.

Toolpath Strategy

The planning of paths that cutting tools follow during CNC machining.

Manual Inspection

Measuring machined parts with hand-held tools and visual techniques.

Titans of CNC Academy

Cost: Free

The Titans of CNC Academy is an online educational platform designed to teach CNC machining and manufacturing skills.

The platform is broken up into sub-academies that cover CNC machining, Swiss-style CNC machining, grinding, and aerospace-specific manufacturing.

Students can learn about machining fundamentals, CAD/CAM programming, milling, turning, and advanced machining strategies.

Go to Titans of CNC Academy

Sandvik Coromant Academy

Cost: Free

The Sandvik Coromant Metal Cutting E-Learning Academy is an online training program designed to help individuals develop a solid understanding of metal cutting techniques and machining processes.

Sandvik's comprehensive curriculum covers topics related to milling, turning, threading, drilling, boring, and toolholding.

Students can tackle these topics at their own pace, test their knowledge with interactive exams, and receive an industry-recognized certificate.

Go to Sandvik Coromant Academy

Tooling U-SME

Cost: Varies by course

Tooling U-SME is an online training platform that provides workforce development solutions for the manufacturing industry. It is part of SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) and offers a wide range of courses designed to upskill employees, improve productivity, and address the skills gap in manufacturing.

The course catalog boasts over 600 unique courses, which have been reviewed by industry experts, and comes in a number of formats, including online-learning modules, instructor-led training, certificate prep courses, hands-on training support, and customized training pathways for specific job roles.

Students can learn about additive manufacturing, assembly, machining, engineering, quality, fabricating, welding, and more.

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GeoTol

Cost: Varies by course

GeoTol specializes in providing comprehensive training and resources in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). Their learning resources cater to students and engineering and manufacturing professionals, aiming to enhance precision and understanding in design and production processes.

GeoTol offers GD&T training in the form of online, self-paced courses and instructor-led programs.

In addition to studying GD&T principles as they align with the latest ASME Y14.5 standard, GeoTol also provides video lessons, animations, and hands-on exercises to enhance your learning.

Go to GeoTol

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Skill Spotlights