
Degrees and Certificates
Why Choose This Program
A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and Advanced Machining (Machine Tool) degree from SCTCC prepares students to shape metal and other hard materials with precision. Our students gain skills to read blueprints and written instructions to convert various materials in intricate, precise, usable parts.
At SCTCC, we’ve designed our program to benefit every student who joins our program. We give students real-world experience in the classroom so they can be certain to impress any future employer.
By using machine tools such as lathes, mills, grinders, drill-presses, computers, and CNC machines, graduates from our program are ready for the expanding workforce as a machine operator, machinist, or tool and die or mold-maker apprentice.
Placement rate from self-reported data of employment in field of study up to one year post graduation.
Wage data is from Minnesota Dept. of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
From Degree to Career
When you choose the CNC and Advanced Machining program at SCTCC, you'll gain skills that will directly transfer to the workplace. With your degree, you can build your career as a machinist, toolmaker, moldmaker, CNC operator, or quality inspector, to name a few options.
Skills Acquired
Our CNC and Advanced Machining program prides itself in equipping every student with the tools needed to succeed in the workforce. Graduates from our program can demonstrate problem-solving abilities, read blueprints and written instructions, and select proper machinery, materials, and tools.
After graduation students have proficiencies with machine tools like lathes, mills, grinders, drill-presses, computers, and CNC machines. We even teach our students the setup and milling operations on Bridgeports, the setup and turning operations on Lathes, and G & M code programming for CNC machines.
With a degree from our CNC and Advanced Machining program, graduates can utilize CAM designing and programming software, CNC setup and operation, and multi-axis CNC Machining and Turning center programming, setup, and operation.
While attending SCTCC, students are required to attend tool shows and metalworking exhibitions when possible and read trade journals and magazines for professional growth.
Quick Glance
- Demonstrates problem-solving ability
- Attends tool shows and metalworking exhibitions when possible
- Reads trade journals and magazines for professional growth
- Read blueprints and written instructions
- Select proper machinery, materials, and tools
- Gain proficiency with machine tools such as lathes, mills, grinders, drill-presses, computers, and computerized numerical control (CNC) machines
- Setup and milling operations on Bridgeports
- Setup and turning operations on Lathes
- G & M code programming for CNC machines
- CAM designing and programming software
- CNC setup and operation
- Multi-axis CNC Machining and Turning center programming/setup and operation
Types of Careers
Graduates from our CNC and Advanced Machining program have a variety of opportunities in the workforce. Our students have found employment opportunities as manual and CNC machinists, toolmakers, mold-makers, quality inspectors, and much more.
You can even find SCTCC graduates using their skills working with CNC operators, setup, and programming. With so many ways to use your degree, every student is certain to find a career path right for them.
A day in the life of an SCTCC graduate is utilizing skills taught in our classrooms like problem-solving and using precision with tools while working as a CNC machinist.
Quick Glance
- Machinist: Manual and CNC
- Toolmaker
- Moldmaker
- CNC Operator
- CNC Setup
- CNC programming
- Quality inspector
At SCTCC, we don’t only prepare students for their future careers, but also for future academic endeavors. All of the SCTCC general education courses are a part of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. Students can continue their studies at Bemidji State University or Minnesota State University, Moorhead to benefit from our 2 + 2 articulation.



Current Students
Current CNC and Advanced Machining students - this is your place for information.
Anthony Wolbersen, Machine Tool Technology Instructor
Phone: (320) 308-6597
Fax: (320) 308-5985
Email: awolbersen@sctcc.edu
As a CNC and Advanced Machining major, students can join the student group, SkillsUSA. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industries working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps students excel and provides educational programs, events, and competitions that support career and technical education (CTE) in the nation’s classrooms.
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