COMPUTER NUMERICAL CONTROL (CNC)

Home / Manufacturing / Computer Numerical Control (CNC)

Build Your Future in Computer Numerical Control

CNC Operator Skills

Designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tool operators and to enhance the skills of machinists who are currently employed in the trade.

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

  • Identify different types of computer numerical machinery, their axis systems, control features, positioning systems, tooling and cutting tools.
  • Solve mathematical calculations necessary to determine part feature locations of machined parts.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC)

Program is designed to prepare students for programming multi-axis CNC machines.  Tis certificate program is designed for students wishing to further pursue a career in machining or manufacturing. This type of certificate program typically leads to entry to intermediate level careers as a machinist, toolmaker, CNC operator, CNC programmer, manufacturing engineer, process engineer, field service technician as well as a number of other manufacturing/service positions.

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

  • Prepare computer numerical control programs for CNC turning and milling machines.
  • Select the appropriate measuring tools to evaluate machined parts to blueprint specifications.

Degrees & Certificates

  • Apply online at fullcoll.edu
  • Apply for financial aid: fafsa.ed.gov
  • Take the online orientation
  • Take assessment exam
  • Meet with a Counselor
  • Update Personal info in My Gateway
  • Register for classes
  • Pay fees

Dan O’Brien
Department Coordinator
dobrien@fullcoll.edu
714.992.7586

George Bonnand
Instructor
gbonnand@fullcoll.edu
714.992.7576

Frequently Asked Questions

Placeholder

Placed here so accordion tabs are closed on page load. Placed by Brain Jar.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost is $46 per unit. Non-resident tuition: $258 per unit PLUS enrollment fees (Non-Resident Tuition includes $19.00 Capital Outlay fee per Ed Code 76141).

Costs may vary; please visit website for more information: http://admissions.fullcoll.edu/fees-refunds/.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Associate degree or certificate completion depends on program unit requirements and whether student is enrolled full-time or part-time.

WHAT ARE THE JOBS AND HOW MUCH DO THEY PAY?

For information on jobs in this industry sector and their median annual salaries visit: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/.

Career opportunities:
• Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC Machine Operator)
• Computer Numerical Control Machining Center Operator (CNC Machining Center Operator)
• Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist)
• Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator)
• Computer Numerical Control Programmer (CNC Programmer)
• Machine Shop Lead Man
• Machining Manager
• Process Engineer
• Programmer

WHAT IS THE JOB OUTLOOK?

Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to show little or no change from 2016 to 2026. Employment growth will vary by specialty.

Employment of machinists is projected to grow 2 percent from 2016 to 2026, slower than the average for all occupations. With improvements in technologies, such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools, autoloaders, high-speed machining, and lights-out manufacturing, machinists will still be required to set up, monitor, and maintain these systems.

Employment of tool and die makers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2016 to 2026. Advances in automation, including CNC machine tools, should reduce demand for tool and die makers to perform tasks, such as programming how parts fit together, that computer software can perform.

Contact Our Department

Dan O’Brien

Department Coordinator, Machine Technology

Envelope Icon

Email
 

Smart Phone Icon

Phone
 

Average Salary in this Field

$27,040 to

$79,920 Per Year

Careers in this Field

Machining Manager

Programmer

Like what you’re learning?

Get Started Today

Fullerton College offers a robust selection of programs, including over 140 Career and Technical Education options for anyone interested in advancing in a profession, or seeking training for new career opportunities. With guidance from seasoned instructors at Fullerton College, learn and engage in the college’s modern facilities, gain the skills and knowledge to succeed, and thrive in today’s high-demand industries.

News & Events

Learn about what’s new and upcoming events at Fullerton College.

Fullerton College Named National Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense

The Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency have designated Fullerton College’s Cybersecurity program as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). The designation goes to accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity degrees and/or certificates that meet rigorous requirements to produce exceptional cybersecurity professionals.

On the Cutting Edge: Fullerton College Machine Tech Student Richard Tallase

It’s one thing to learn the skills a job requires but quite another to actually land the job. But that’s exactly what Fullerton College machine technology student Richard Tallase was able to do with the support of Network Kinection, one of many extra support services being offered by Orange County’s community college career education programs.

OC Farm Bureau Donates $151,800 to Support Next Generation of Agriculturalists at Fullerton College

The Orange County Farm Bureau is establishing roots to build a pipeline from the classroom to industry for Fullerton College Horticulture students and graduates. The OC Farm Bureau generously awarded the Friends of Fullerton College Foundation with $151,800, which will be used to provide scholarships, internships, and develop a program that will guide students from the classroom to the workforce.

Student Success Stories

Fullerton College offers its students a comprehensive academic experience, in a real college setting.

 

Fullerton College is one of the greatest

“Fullerton College is one of the greatest options, not only in Southern California, but I think in all of California. When I came here, it was all about shaping me into being a better artist and to refine that skill set so that I could actually go into the work industry.”

 

– Francisco Gutierrez
Digital Arts

 

Character Artist at MGA Entertainment

“I’ve recently become a Character Artist at MGA Entertainment and I owe it all to the Digital Arts CTE program at Fullerton College. Every single class I took helped me build a portfolio that was competitive enough to land me a job where all of my coworkers come from private colleges, and I think that’s pretty cool. Not only are the classes very useful but the professors that teach them are as well. They have endless amounts of knowledge and experience in their fields and are super eager to help their students. I am very proud and grateful to have been a part of the CTE program and I can’t wait to see where I go in the future thanks to Fullerton College.”

 

– Rebecca Mora
Digital Arts