MiraCosta College Debuts Noncredit Machinist Technology Program

The need for properly trained machinists to fill hundreds of positions in North San Diego County has reached critical mass. To meet this need, MiraCosta College Community Services is pleased to announce the development of its new Machinist Technology Program for individuals seeking fast-paced, high-level training for real job skills. This program is designed to meet the industry’s continued and growing need for trained machine operators and programmers, and will prepare students for employment in machine shops and manufacturing facilities as early as this summer or fall. 

The Machinist Technology Program underscores MiraCosta College’s commitment to North County. The college was approached two years ago by the National Tooling and Machining Association, the local career center and representatives of the North County manufacturing industry. The message? Area manufacturers want to hire, but there is a shortage of qualified machinists. And proper training is essential. Employees must master machine shop math, know how to read blueprints, and be skilled at using state-of-the-art, precision equipment.

MiraCosta College has received grants totaling more than $120,000, including $63,500 from the San Diego Workforce Partnership, via the National Tooling and Machining Association, specifically earmarked for its machinist program. These funds will ensure that unemployed or low-income individuals (including veterans) get the training they need.

Students who attend will experience an accelerated program, the only one of its kind in North County, designed to quickly prepare them to meet trade skill sets that will qualify course graduates to move right into apprenticeship positions with local manufacturing facilities. Toolmakers and precision machinists make money while they train—no college degree is required. Starting salary for program graduates is $14-$18 per hour, with increases as they continue to learn.

The 12-week program consists of classroom time and hands-on course work and will be a full-time program, five days a week. Each class will consist of 12–18 students, which will turn out 45 to 54 program graduates over the course of the first year.

Students must be at least 18 years old and have either a high school diploma or GED. In addition, students must demonstrate mechanical aptitude, basic 10th grade reading and math skills, and participate in an interview.

Fee for the course is $5,000. Tuition funding available for qualified applicants. Call 760.795.6680 to check status. 

Sign up for a free information session to be held Wednesday, April 24, 5 p.m., at the Landes Recreation Center, 2855 Cedar Road, Oceanside. For more information, contact the MiraCosta College Community Services Office at 760.795.6820.