Picture your first week in Kentwood, MI. You clock in, meet your mentor, and roll up your sleeves beside lathes, mills, grinders, and CNC equipment. By mid-morning you’re measuring to thousandths, reading a blueprint with guidance, and learning why a clean, organized workspace is the backbone of quality. Each day blends hands-on work with coaching from experienced machinists so you build confidence—and parts that meet spec.
Company-paid classes at Grand Rapids Community College Advanced Technology Center begin this Fall. You can start working right away—or begin after finishing high school—then step into the classroom as the semester starts.
- Safety
- Precision measuring and layout
- Pedestal grinder and tool sharpening
- Drilling machines
- Hand tools and benchwork
- Saw operations
- Milling machines
- Engine lathe
- Surface grinder
- Basic CNC programming
- Haas CNC mill
- Haas CNC lathe
- CAD/CAM/CNC
- Charmilles EDM
- Haas CNC laser
- Blueprint reading
- Shop math
- GD&T
- Metallurgy
- Machinery’s Handbook
- SPC
- Run a variety of machines—lathes, mills, and grinders—to produce quality components.
- Learn to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Assist seasoned machinists with problem-solving and process improvements.
- Keep your station orderly and safe, following all shop standards.
- Join in workshops and training sessions to advance your skills.
- Perform routine checks and basic maintenance on equipment.
- Work with teammates to hit production goals and deadlines.
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Mechanical curiosity and a drive to learn.
- Familiarity with machining tools and processes is helpful, but not required.
Ready to turn precision into a career? Join us in Kentwood and start building your future one cut at a time.
