Manufacturing Technology

Prepare to become a master of machines in a career where your technical and problem-solving skills produce the parts and products we see and use in our everyday lives. If you are ready to put your mind and your hands to work in a high-tech industrial environment, then the OCC Manufacturing Technology program is right for you. OCC Career Advantage offers training on cutting-edge machine technology with beginning to advanced skill certificate and degree options in CNC operation, programming, tooling and machining. Skilled CNC and machinists are in high demand in the Southern California region, earning high wages. CNC and process control programmers earn a median annual wage of about $60,000. Train to enter an in-demand high-tech job in manufacturing or advance within the field if you’re already working. Take the first step toward machine mastery and get the OCC Career Advantage. Read on to learn more.

A sampling of courses for these careers

Introduction to Machine Shop
Computations for Machinists
CNC Machine Operation

Mastercam Lathe
Milling Machine
Tool and Cutter Grinding

see course catalog

More About
this Program

See Similar
Programs

Get
Started

Did you know?

Advanced Manufacturing is one of three crucial Orange County industry sectors that generates large numbers of job opportunities at all levels of educational attainment.

Program Details

Complete one of our certificate programs, and you’ll be well- prepared to enter today’s high-tech world of manufacturing.

Build upon your skills if you’re already employed in the field. Or earn and associate degree for even greater advancement opportunities.

See Evening, Weekend and Online Courses

In less than 2 years
you can earn:
Certificate of Achievement

Machinist

Prepare for a position as an entry-level machine operator and get under your belt courses you can apply to more advanced certificates down the road. This is often the first manufacturing job for industrial employees and will teach you to machine precision-manufactured parts using conventional lathes and milling machines and to perform necessary measurements. View program detail in course catalog.

CNC Machine Operator

Build on your machinist skills and learn to set up and manually program machine tools operated by Computer Numerical Control (CNC), a process where computer software, instead of humans, guides machines in cutting prototype parts. View program detail in course catalog.

CNC Machine Programmer

Whether you are a machinist or a CNC machine operator, learn to write part machine programs for controlling Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathes and milling machines. View program detail in course catalog.

Tooling

Take your machinist skills to the next level to become an entry-level toolmaker, die maker or mold maker. Take courses in metallurgy, tool and cutter grinding, and welding tooling. View program detail in course catalog.

Build on your certificate
of achievement with a:
Certificate of Specialization

CNC Operator

Learn to set up and operate Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathes and milling machines, building on your machinist skills through this professional upgrade certificate. View program detail in course catalog.

CNC Programmer

Learn to write part machine programs for controlling Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathes and milling machines, adding to your machinist or CNC machine operator skills through this professional upgrade certificate. View program detail in course catalog.

Or earn your
associate degree
in under 4 years

Machinist

Complete the Machinist Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. Learn the skills needed to become an entry-level machine operator and get under your belt courses you can apply to more advanced certificates down the road. This is often the first manufacturing job for industrial employees. View program detail in course catalog.

CNC Machine Operator

Complete the Machine Operator Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. Through this program, develop a deeper knowledge and skill set as a machinist. View program detail in course catalog.

CNC Machine Programmer

Complete the Machine Programmer Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. Whether you are a machinist or a CNC machine operator, learn to use machine technology software in computer-assisted CNC programming to expand your skill set. View program detail in course catalog.

Tooling

Complete the Tooling Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. Take your machinist skills to the next level to become an entry-level toolmaker, die maker or mold maker. Take courses in metallurgy, tool and cutter grinding, and welding tooling. View program detail in course catalog.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I enroll and register for classes?

To enroll in a Career Advantage program, you must first apply for admission to Orange Coast College. To apply, go to the Admissions Application Information webpage and review the information and requirements for admission. A link at the bottom of that page will take you to the CCCApply website, where you will be prompted to create an account so you can begin the application process.

How much does it cost?

Classes cost $46 per unit for residents of California. Classes vary in their unit value, but an average 3-unit class costs $138. There are additional fees required to register and additional costs associated with each program. Click here to view the estimated total costs of the program in this career cluster.

How long does it take?

View this chart for the length of the core program.

Are classes offered online, evenings and weekends?

This program offers courses on evenings and weekends. For details about offerings in this program, speak to a counselor or consult the class schedule. The class schedule tool searches through all Orange Coast College course offerings and includes a filter for online classes.

How can I talk with a counselor?

You can make an appointment in person, online or by phone. Click here for more information about Counseling Services and how to make an appointment.

I have more questions. Where can I get more information?

For general questions about enrollment, availability of classes and other services for prospective and current OCC students, call The Answer Center at 714-432-5772. For answers to specific questions you can speak to a counselor or to the faculty member listed on this program page.

Male manfucturing worker works at machine

Female student looks on as 3D printer is in process

Career
Video

Skills &
Employment Trends

Wage & Salary
Information

Internship &
Work-Based Learning

Other Programs That Might Interest You

Welding Technology

Choose from 10 certificate programs that give you the skills you need to enter the field or advance in it.

Construction Technology

Choose from 10 certificate programs, including in residential construction and specialized areas.

Electronics Technology

Choose from four certificate programs that prepare you for a job as a technician in the electronics field.

Did you know?

In California, the number of numerical tool and process control programmers
is expected to grow much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Jobs for numerical tool and process control programmers are expected to increase
by 23.1 percent between 2016 and 2026. Industry is short on talent, and skilled
employees are in demand and command high wages.