Alert
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates, FAQs and Resources. Properly worn face coverings are required for entry on all PTC campuses. Read More ...
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates, FAQs and Resources. Properly worn face coverings are required for entry on all PTC campuses. Read More ...
Find the academic program that's right for you. Learn more about PTC's schools and departments and available credentials.
Academics »PTC is here to help you get started on the path toward achieving your goals, whether you're headed toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution, or straight into the work force.
Admissions »90% of PTC students receive some form of financial aid. We strive to make higher education affordable to everyone.
Cost & Financial Aid »Whether you're looking for help planning your career, or you need some help in your classes, PTC offers a wealth of resources to ensure you have the right tools for success.
College Resources »Want to update your skills, explore a different career path, or learn a new hobby? We have meaningful learning opportunities that you can use right away.
Continuing Ed »PTC's mission is to transform lives and strengthen communities by providing opportunities for intellectual and economic growth.
About »The skills taught in the machine tool program are in constant demand in our region, and all over the country. Graduates will find that their employment prospects are excellent. You’ll get a full introduction to the field and practical experience in machining operations used in practically every manufacturing industry.
Graduation Date: May 2012
Kenny Price had his foot in the door with Burnstein von Seelen even before he completed his machine tool technology degree at Piedmont Technical College. The Abbeville company took Price on as an apprentice in the Tool and Die division, which has now led to a full-time position with the company.
Modern manufacturing is a high-level, advanced industry requiring skilled and talented people. In fact, it's South Carolina's number two employment sector, paying wages well above the statewide average. These advances are clearly evident in the machine shop.
The program at Piedmont Technical College is well-respected by employers, and many of them serve on our advisory board, which helps determine what's taught in the program, so you'll have a competitive edge when you graduate.
The need for qualified machinists is increasing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is projected to grow by 10 percent from 2014-2024, which is faster than the national average.
Today, most machine shops are clean, well-lit and ventilated. In fact, most modern CNC machines are partially or totally enclosed, minimizing the exposure of workers to noise, debris and the lubricants used to cool work pieces during machining.
Machinists are highly skilled operators of machine tools that fabricate parts from a wide variety of materials. Working from blueprints, sketches or their own designs, these technicians produce precision parts with extremely close tolerances.
Some of your responsibilities may require you to:
Salary and career information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Recent graduates have found work at:
Piedmont Technical College offers several pathways to a career in Machine Tool Technology. Students in the associate degree program get a full introduction to the field, along with practical experience in machining operations used in nearly every manufacturing industry. Those pursuing the diploma will receive a primary specialty in machining in just one year.
The program also offers certificates in Computerized Numeric Control and Precision Metrology to help existing machinists hone or update their machining skills. A Machine Tool Operator certificate is also available for those who wish to gain basic machining skills without being enrolled in a full-time degree program.
Graduates will be prepared for entry-level jobs as a CNC machinist, CNC programmer, manual machinist or quality control and inspection specialist.