Prototype Machinist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Prototype Machinist

Best Schools to become a Prototype Machinist in U.S. 2024

NTMA Training Centers of Southern California

Santa Fe Springs, CA

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:77%
Total Enrollment:98

Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

Wichita, KS

In-State Tuition:$4,311
Out-of-State Tuition:$5,174
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:30%
Total Enrollment:5,021

Central Community College

Grand Island, NE

In-State Tuition:$2,820
Out-of-State Tuition:$4,230
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:43%
Total Enrollment:6,519

Amarillo College

Amarillo, TX

In-State Tuition:$1,128
Out-of-State Tuition:$2,664
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:28%
Total Enrollment:8,988

College of Western Idaho

Nampa, ID

In-State Tuition:$3,400
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,344
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:27%
Total Enrollment:9,920

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, CA

In-State Tuition:$1,104
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,712
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:27%
Total Enrollment:23,852
Prototype Machinist Job Description:
  • Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects.
  • Includes template makers.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Prototype Machinist

Job Duties for Prototype Machinists

  • Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.

  • Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.

  • Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.

Technologies and Skills Used by Prototype Machinists

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • CNC Software Mastercam

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Prototype Machinist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Prototype Machinist

FAQs About Becoming a Prototype Machinist