Machining and Manufacturing Technology

  • Student in PPE pouring liquid metal into mold.
  • Machine Tool Slide Show -- student running milling machine
  • Machine tool student adjusts a milling machine
  • Student standing by machining computer.

Make mine metal.

Machining technology has changed significantly in recent years, and industry professionals must be able to operate a wide range of advanced equipment. Using lasers, water jets, and electrified wires to cut and shape different types of metals, plastics, and wood, these new machines are often used to produce customized components that follow specs laid out by drafters, architects, and engineers.

From metallurgy and milling to CNC operations and quality control, Salina Tech’s Machine Tool Technology Program provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the rapidly advancing machine tool industry. Students who graduate from this nine-month program can pursue rewarding careers as operators, technicians, quality control professionals, and managers.

Students will complete OSHA-10 and KS Work Ready Certifications.

Kansas Board of Regents Program Alignment Information

CIP Code: 48.0501
CIP Name: Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
Definition: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures in which materials are cast, formed, shaped, molded, heat treated, cut, twisted, pressed, fused, stamped, or worked.

The Kansas Board of Regents originally approved the Machining & Manufacturing Technology Alignment on December 20, 2010. After going through the realignment process, the Technical Education Authority approved the amended Machining & Manufacturing Technology alignment on December 16, 2022. Colleges are granted one academic year from the approval date to implement the alignment. Implementation of the amended alignment must be completed by Fall 2024. Kansas Board of Regents Program Alignment Map

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Program LengthProgram CostDegree EarnedExpected
9 Months$9,769Technical Certificate$34,000 – $52,190
Two Years$13,624Associate Degree$34,000 – $52,190

YOU WILL LEARN

  • Operate machine tool equipment commonly found in industry including manual and computer controlled lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and cutting machines.

  • Manufacture parts from various materials in accordance with specifications from blueprints, electronic drawings, and shop sketches.

  • Solve quality problems using process planning, technical knowledge, teamwork, mathematics, and critical thinking.

  • Apply safety principles in a work environment to minimize hazards and prevent losses to productivity.

  • Demonstrate employability skills needed to obtain and retain employment in machine tool and related fields.

CAREERS

  • Machine Operator

  • Machinist

  • Tool & Die Maker

  • Tool Room Technician

  • Quality Control Professional

  • CNC Operator

  • Assembly Professional

  • CNC Programmer

  • Manufacturing Manager

INFORMATION

Note: Program Schedule does not include general education courses required by program.

FACULTY

Ron Smith

Ron Smith earned his Technical Certificate in Machine Tool Technology from Salina Tech in 2008. He has 18 years of experience in the Machining and Manufacturing field, from manual to CNC machines, programming, process control & optimization, as well as machinery and instrument repair. He joined the Salina Tech Machining and Manufacturing Program in 2026.

ron.smith@salinatech.edu
785-309-3151

CONTACT

Contact the MTT Enrollment Specialist with any questions, admissions requirements, or to set up program shadowing or tours.

Rachael NaSal
785-309-3153
rachael.nasal@salinatech.edu