The Advanced Manufacturing Technology
program is a comprehensive competency-based Chapter 74 approved program and is aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks – Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology Cluster. Advanced Manufacturing Technology provides students the opportunity to learn the skills demanded of the 21st-century machinist. Skilled machinists are in great demand everywhere but especially here in Western Mass. Machinists design and manufacture precision parts, from simple pieces such as nuts and bolts to complex, high-tech components for the medical and aerospace industries. Jobs in the industry range from operating, maintaining and repairing to designing and creating programs for computer-numerical-control machines. Advanced Manufacturing Technology extends into tool and die work, maintenance machining, and research, and part prototyping.
Students in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology program follow a course of study that starts with the basics of manual machining and progresses to advanced multi-axis CNC programming, setup, and operation. Qualified and skilled machinists are in high demand and students completing our program are ready to enter the workforce or further their education in college.
The Advanced Manufacturing Technology program features a state-of-the-art facility. That facility includes the latest in technology including Computer Numeric Control (CNC) milling machines and lathes, as well as a computer lab running MasterCam and Solid Works for CAD/CAM instruction. The Advanced Manufacturing Technology program offers students the opportunity to experience the latest technology in the machine tool industry. Advanced Manufacturing Technology students receive training through hands-on experience that replicates operations used in industry. Metal parts are produced using lathes, mills, surface grinders, and CNC machines. Students are introduced to the principle of machining using a conversational control ProtoTrak Knee Mill. Students will create programs using Cartesian coordinate systems of measurement. Students will utilize Solid Works and MasterCam software to design and program their own parts. Speed and Feed formulas will be used to create optimal tool path geometry and tool life.
Course Objectives:
Using industry standards, students will learn the following competencies:
- Integrate academics through project-based learning
- Recognize career pathway opportunities
- Interact safely in a shop environment
- Safely operate and maintain tools and equipment
- Incorporate the use of industry standard technology and software
- Read, understand, and communicate in the language of the field
- Read and understand blueprints and technical drawings
- Understand and utilize measuring tools and gauges
- Utilize basic metrology practices and standards
- Use resources for research and problem solving
- Troubleshoot, diagnose, analyze, and present data related to the field
- Develop a professional appearance and exemplary work ethic
- Demonstrate teamwork
Certifications/Licenses:
- BLS CPR w/AED
- Heartsaver First Aid
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification
- Students have the opportunity to earn MACWIC (Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative) Level 1 & 2 Certifications
Looking Toward the Future:
At the core of today’s mechanized world is the machinist and advanced manufacturing technology. This industry requires skilled technicians to carry out new ideas and plans in the production of all types of manufactured parts. Many of these skilled technicians find exciting career opportunities with substantial earning potential. Nearly every product created today, from housing to transportation to food, requires the expertise and skill of the advanced manufacturing technology machinist. Highly trained machinists can be found working in a variety of fields including computer, automotive, defense and aircraft products as well as medical research and development.
Students successfully completing the Advanced Manufacturing Technology program have the option of securing gainful employment, continuing formal studies at the post-secondary level or pursuing a combination of both.
Post-Secondary Options:
| Asnuntuck Community College Ben Franklin Institute of Technology Lincoln Technical Institute New England Institute of Technology | North Eastern University* Pennsylvania College of Technology Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Springfield Technical Community College* | UMASS @ Amherst UMASS @ Lowell Western New England University Worcester Polytechnic Institute |
Career Opportunities:
Entry level Jobs – High School Diploma – On-the-Job Training/Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship training (two to six years of on the job training guided by skilled tradesmen).
| Assembly Worker | CNC Operator | Machine Operator |
Skilled Jobs – Technical/Community College/Associates Degree or Certificate
| All Around Machinists CAD/CAM Operator CNC Programmer CNC Repair | Computer-Aided Designer (CAD) Drafting Technician Instrument Maker Maintenance Machinists | Mold Maker Production Supervisor Quality Assurance Inspectors Tool and Die Makers |
Professional Careers – BS/MS Degree/Graduate Studies
| Civil Engineer Design Engineer Industrial Engineer | Industrial Management Manufacturing Engineer Mechanical Engineer | Plant Engineer Process Engineer Project Manager |
Instructors
 Clifford Long Exploratory & 1st year (Shop) Ext. 1103 (Classroom) Ext. 1106 |  Henry Crochier 1st & 2nd year (Shop) Ext. 1103 (Classroom) Ext. 1106 |
 Dana Graves 2nd & 3rd year (Shop) Ext. 1105 (Classroom) Ext. 1104 |