Civil Engineering Tech
Quality Control

Metal & Plastic Machine Workers

Computer skills
Learn new technologies
Metal and plastic machine workers must often be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor.
Communication skills
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Chemical technicians must explain their work to scientists and engineers, and to workers who may not have a technical background. They often write reports to communicate their results.
Dexterity
Precision is important
Metal and plastic machine workers who work in metal and plastic machined goods manufacturing use precise hand movements to make the necessary shapes, cuts, and edges that designs require.

Job Description

Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.

Metal and plastic machine workers typically do the following:

  • Set up machines according to blueprints
  • Monitor machines for unusual sound or vibration
  • Insert material into machines
  • Operate metal or plastic molding machines
  • Adjust machine settings
  • Remove finished products and smooth imperfections
  • Test and compare finished workpieces
  • Remove and replace dull cutting tools
  • Document production numbers in a computer

Consumer products are made with many metal and plastic parts. These parts are produced by machines that are operated by metal and plastic machine workers. In general, these workers are separated into two groups: those who set up machines for operation and those who operate machines during production, however, many workers perform both tasks.

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Job Outlook

Median Pay – $34,080
2 Year Associate’s Degree
No Related Work Experience
Moderate-term on-the-job training
0
Make $41,329
0
Make $53,310
The industries that hired the most were:

Manufacturing Industries

95%

Other

5%

EDUCATION & TRAINING

TCAT

TN College of Applied Technology - Athens

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THE PROGRAM

  • Time Commitment – Full Time
  • Scholarship/TN Promise Eligible – Yes
  • Average Pay – $34,080 / yr
  • Cost – $7,795

Advanced manufacturing facilities rely heavily on the skilled craftsmanship of machinists. Manufacturers employee machinists who have a wide range of skills and are capable of performing modern production techniques. Machinists set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce precision parts.

Train and learn on state-of-the-art Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) equipment, lathes, mills, and other machines to create products used in the manufacturing environment. Instruction is given in related mathematics, blueprint reading, precision measuring, basic metallurgy, and heat-treating of metals. Incorporating the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) standards, students learn cutting-edge techniques based on recognized fundamentals.

  • Set up and operate manual, and Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine tools
  • Operate lathes, milling machines, grinders, horizontal and vertical bandsaws, and drill presses
  • Align, secure, and adjust cutting tools and workpieces
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THE PROGRAM

  • Program Length – 9 months (certificate)
  • Average Earnings – $36,570 / yr
  • Cost – $4,876

This fall, Cleveland State will offer a certificate degree for our new Welding program. Welding is a much sought after skill set that offers a salary that is far above the average starting pay for this area, and the great news is that it only takes 9 months to get a certificate.

If you think you want to be a welder, or you need to brush up or acquire new skills, Cleveland State offers a variety of non-credit welding classes to assist you in achieving those goals.

Cleveland State Community College is now offering a Welding Technician Certificate* in conjunction with completion of these 3 Welding Courses & additional Technology Coursework.  The majority of these classes are embedded in the Electro-Mechanical Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S).

All participants have the opportunity to earn:

  • NCCER Wallet Card
  • NCCER National Registry Recognition
  • NCCER Module Certificates of Completion

Courses will consist of content from NCCER, OSHA, NFPA, and AWS standards. 

AWS Certifications can be offered to groups of 10 participants at an additional cost

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Cleveland State

Cleveland State Community College

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Your Skills. Your Future. McMinn