Hello Hometown Forum.

I don’t usually end up posting much, but thought I would pick the collective brains and get opinions.

After several years of trying different career paths (already have a degree in History and another in Criminal Justice), I came to the realization that neither was making me happy, or getting me ahead to really take care of my family.

I have decided to go out on a limb and go back to school to become a CNC machinist. I realize I won’t ever get rich doing it, but I feel like it could take care of my family sufficiently and I would have some job fulfillment, knowing I was creating things that were useful.

I want to make sure I learn both manual machining and CNC, so I can be more marketable.

On top of that, I figured being a machinist couldn’t hurt any with my firearm obsession.

We are looking at a couple different schools here in Utah, and wanted to get some feedback if at all possible. I don’t necessarily want to name them, in case the local knowledge knows of one better than the ones I’ve looked at.

Are there any programs/schools in Utah that would be better/worse than others?

Are there any apprentice programs you are aware of?

Finally, are there any machinists here in the HTF that could give some tips/pointers on what to focus on to be marketable?

Your opinions and information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

5 axis brah, learn 5 axis to be marketable.

Mill/turn guys are also in demand.

If you're in the south end of the SL valley, shoot me a PM, I can get you in the door at a friends shop.


As far as school goes, SLCC will teach you the skills you need to get a cutting edge CNC programming job in 1987. But I'm not much of a believer in the traditional ways of learning. I do MasterCam certification training courses and SolidWorks courses to stay sharp. I am focusing more on design than machining for my career path.

You won't make a million bucks doing this, but turning a piece of material into something useful feels pretty good.

Thanks very much for the input and offer for your friend's shop. I'm down in UT valley (Provo/Orem) so a bit too far, especially with zero experience and training thus far.

I will make sure that I take a look at your suggestions, to see if they can help me. Also good to know about a school that isn't up with the times, so I won't spend any time looking.

Appreciate the help. Anyone else have any other information to go with it?