There is a growing need for highly skilled employees in the manufacturing industries in Wisconsin.  This program is aligned with the National Tooling and Machining Association's proposed skill standards. Job growth for this profession is expected to be about 8 percent between now and 2014.

Work-Based Requirements

Industry mentors are trained to teach youth apprentices the skills and knowledge needed to find entry level employment in the manufacturing/machining industry.

Youth apprentices rotate through up to four major areas at the worksite (see Skills Standards Checklist) and take related classroom instruction at the local high school, technical college or at the worksite.

The Manufacturing/Machining program has two options available. The one-year option includes two semesters of classroom instruction which support a minimum of 450 work hours. The two-year option includes four semesters of classroom instruction, which support 900 work hours.

Related Instruction Requirements

Manufacturing/Machining academic instruction focuses on:

• Manufacturing Fundamentals
  Concepts and skills involved in the manufacturing industry. Content includes safety, applied math, measuring and layout, interpreting drawings and blueprints, and an introduction to machine and hand tools.
• Machine Tool Concepts
  Basic machine tool concepts as applied to manufacturing. Content includes the use of hand tools, drills and drill presses, lathe, grinding and milling operations.
• Advanced Machining Concept
  This course is a continuation of machining concepts and provides entry-level skills in the machining trade.
• Introduction to CNC and Manufacturing Careers
  This course explores careers involved in machining. Content includes computer-controlled applications on both a vertical machining and turning center, and an introduction to mold making, metal stamping, die casting and basic machine maintenance.

Skill Certificate and Advanced Standing

After successful completion of the requirements for a high school diploma and the school-based and work-based requirements for Youth Apprenticeship, the students receive a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from the Department of Workforce Development.  Students who complete the two-year Manufacturing/Machining Youth Apprenticeship may receive advanced standing credits from a Wisconsin Technical College offering related associate degree programs.

Downloadable Documents:

Skills Standards Checklist
Order Form from Dept. of Administration Document Sales Unit