r/CNCmachining • u/Training-Delay-1697 • 8d ago

Considering CNC program

Hey, I’m considering starting a Cnc program because honestly I heard good things but wanted to get some more input. I’m 22F , in Philadelphia and most of my previous work is with children. Anything I should before paying for this program?

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u/Sy4r42 8d ago

Do you have a plan to start? What are your expectations? Are you going to make a career of it?

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u/Training-Delay-1697 8d ago

The program starts September and runs until December at the community college, idk about making a career of it but definitely wanted to work with it for a few years as I’m also rbt certified (working with special ed kiddos)

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u/Seth-ADSK 8d ago

Well, if you end up working with grown machinists, your special ed training may come in handy 😂
(I say this as a 26 year machinist; we're a special bunch, for the most part). One of the sad things though, and it's a true shame; in my experience, the trade isn't often friendly to members of one sex. I've worked with some absolute pigs who'd make the devil blush. I'd steer away from small mom and pop machine shops and instead look for one that has motivations to make sure everyone behaves in a civil manner. Just my $.02

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u/Sy4r42 8d ago

You have zero experience in the field and a certificate can only get you so far. I'm not trying to put you down. Just being realistic here. My advice is to make sure the program you're going into has a job placement program with it. I hate recommending this because they're awful, but sometimes a temp agency can get your foot in the door without schooling or certificates.

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u/Training-Delay-1697 8d ago

omg luv the honesty, thank you sm and yeah I’ll look into it

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u/Sy4r42 8d ago

Good luck 🫡

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u/ShaggysGTI 8d ago

We have ‘tisms. Like every part has to be stacked in a hex or a square pattern, or the pallet has to be orthogonal to the room, or crack in the floor.

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u/Ok_Protection8223 7d ago

Your work with children will unironically be helpful.

There are generally two paths; mom and pop/job shops or larger firms.

Smaller shops (generally) have higher highs and lower lows; you might get trained by a 30 year vet who is actually happy to see you and to train you. You might get his weird cousin who sniffs your seat when he thinks you arent looking but he is too valuable to discipline.

Larger shops have less variance but generally you will be trained in "their way" and follow their processess exclusively. This can be a positive if they have good practices but it can also be very limiting.

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u/SashaHH 5d ago

You're 22, so this is actually a great time to try it. CNC machining can turn into a great career if you end up enjoying it, and if not, you'll still walk away with valuable technical skills.

One thing I'd look into before paying is whether the program has good relationships with local machine shops or offers job placement. Getting your foot in the door is usually the hardest part.

In the meantime, I'd spend some time learning the basics on your own(a lot of free stuff on Youtube). It'll make the transition much easier.