When it comes to college, the classes you take aren’t necessarily that important in a CNC world, unless, of course, you plan on being in business one day for yourself. You need to consider all of your options, thinking through your future or your new place in the employment world. For some, interested in CNC, the opportunity of classes, in a college, isn’t always out there. Although, there are some colleges with Tec departments. So what do you do? If you’re interested in computers and programming, have a mechanical mind, can do simple math trig and geometry, but don’t like sitting behind a desk, manufacturing may be a career for you. The opportunity of becoming a CNC programmer is out there to be had. It is a well sought after profession. One that is understaffed and companies are looking to hire. You will need a Tec School or even a machinery dealer that holds programing classes. You may be lucky enough to find an employer who is willing to train you.
The fact that you have a college education doesn’t always come into play, in the CNC world. Being overly educated isn’t as important as common sense. When it comes to manufacturing, you don’t always do things by the book. Now, to be clear, we aren’t talking safety, as that needs to be followed to the T. But thinking outside of the box and realizing a better way to do something better is very important in manufacturing.
Being decent in math a big thing though, and by decent, we mean being able to help your own kids figure out how many apples Sara gave to George. If you can answer those kinds of questions, enjoy working on cars or even building models, you may be well suited for a career in the job shop industry.
Manufacturers are looking for people not only who are street-smart, but who are street-wise and enthusiastic. Younger people who understand the computer age and more importantly the mechanical aspects of it can learn things on the floor and go very far in the company. Being college educated and having high grades in math doesn’t tell us anything. The owners of many manufacturing company will put you through school, Mid-West included, which will help further your career.
People are working to build more things in the US and we need people. Now, we’re not saying not to go to college, but if it’s not for you, or if your folks can’t afford it, the machining industry may be the riugfht place for you.