MI Career Spotlight - Precision Machinist

Melinda Keyway • August 8, 2013
milling machine

Machinists oversee maintenance, repair, and production work using a variety of tools that are conventionally controlled or computer numerically controlled (CNC), such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, to produce precision metal and plastic parts. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items.
Because the technology of machining is changing rapidly, machinists must learn to operate a wide range of machines. Although some of the computer controls are similar to those of other machine tools, machinists must understand the unique capabilities of these different machines. As engineers create new types of machine tools, machinists must constantly learn new machining properties and techniques.

Precision machinists typically do the following:

  • Work from blueprints, sketches, or computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) files
  • Set up, operate, and tear down manual, automatic, or CNC machine tools
  • Calculate dimensions using measuring instruments
  • Install, align, secure, and adjust cutting tools and workpieces
  • Monitor the feed and speed of machines
  • Turn, mill, drill, shape, and grind machine parts to specifications
  • Measure, examine, and test completed products for defects
  • Deburr all surfaces of parts or products to ensure that they conform to specifications

Demand for Precision Machinist

Today there are 28,000 machinist jobs in Michigan, an increase of 5,000 since 2009. In addition, 21 percent of current machinist are over the age of 55 and will soon be retiring out of the workforce. This will create a lot of job openings, even though future job growth is projected to slow down. Entry pay rate for Michigan machinists is $13.10 an hour and goes as high as $29.80 an hour.

Despite automation advancements in manufacturing technologies, machinists will still be required to set up, monitor, and maintain automated machining systems. In addition, employers are expected to continue needing machinists who have a wide range of skills and are capable of performing modern production techniques and almost any task in a machine shop. Manufacturers will continue to rely heavily on skilled machinists as they invest in new equipment, modify production techniques, and implement product design changes more rapidly.

What is Needed to Become a Precision Machinist

A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement for machinist education. During high school, students can prepare for careers in machinery by focusing their studies on subjects such as math, metalworking, drawing, and computer science. Postsecondary degrees are not required, but some form of occupational training is necessary. Machinists must be expertly familiar with their tools to ensure accuracy, so whether training programs are formal or informal, they should focus on hands-on, technical experience with metal-cutting and measuring machinery.

Machinist apprenticeship programs are available through community colleges, vocational schools and metal parts companies. Apprenticeships can last as long as four years and provide beginning machinists with full-time, paid training in metal shops. US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships award certificates that are recognized by companies across the US. Apprentices interpret blueprints and practice using basic equipment, such as lathes, saws and grinders, under the supervision of skilled machinists. These programs also incorporate lessons in the classroom, such as instruction in math, drafting and shop safety.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an increasing number of precision machinists are gaining vocational training in associate's degree programs. Available at community colleges and technical schools, 2-year degree programs in machine technology prepare students for entry-level positions in metalworking. After obtaining employment, machinists with associate's degrees are usually required to continue training on the job.

Industry Member Spotlight

By Melinda Keyway • July 13, 2020
Most people don’t see manufacturing for the rich and complex industry it is. They hear the word “manufacturing” and they think first of the global giants; the companies that employ thousands of people and make exciting end products — the household brands. But for every large corporation, hundreds of small manufacturers dot the landscape of Michigan. These businesses do what they do each day with little fanfare or recognition. Based in Fenton, Epic Machine, Inc. is one such manufacturer; quietly celebrating 40 years as a manufacturer of replacement components and tooling for the foundry industry, with a diverse base of more than 200 customers. They are in the shadows of an industry sector that itself is in the background. Epic Machine is multiple degrees of separation away from public notoriety; yet they are thriving, growing and innovating. “Most people don’t know we’re here and trying to explain who we are and what we do can be difficult,” said Bill Johnston, comptroller for Epic Machine. “Downtime can destroy a business. If your production is offline for a weekend, a day, even a couple of hours, it can mean the difference between hitting your goals and keeping a customer or missing your goals and seeing them go to your competition.” Even while playing such an important role, manufacturing is itself forcing companies like Epic to change and reimagine where they fit in an increasingly high-tech, high-demand and global industry. “You have to diversify. It’s not even a question anymore. Things are moving too fast and there are fewer and fewer businesses that do what we do,” explained Johnston. “At some point, we’ll face another bump in the economy — you really need to have a fallback against one major customer or industry having a problem and your business being a victim of it. You have to open yourself up to doing more than you thought you could.” At Epic, they’ve worked to be more openminded about the possibilities for growth that are out there. They seek out existing businesses and take on projects that could push them outside their comfort zone. “It’s important that you take a shot at doing something new. Small businesses can disappear because of one or two bad quarters, so if you aren’t trying something because it’s unfamiliar, you are leaving yourself open to a lot of risk,” Johnston said. “You don’t need to take on every new client, but make expanding your knowledge base and your customer base a priority. It can add decades to your business.” Johnston and his team continue to look ahead to the company’s next milestone — their 50-year anniversary. To get there, they’ll continue with diversification strategies and move forward with plans to bring in new, tech-savvy talent and invest in new technology and upgraded equipment. Change is inevitable for manufacturers and the small business needs to advance even faster. “We may not be the biggest company but we have four decades of history behind us and you’d be surprised how reliant our world is on having small parts and replacement parts on hand when they are needed,” said Johnston. “Epic Machine is a hard-working business, founded in humility and making a quality part. Come and get to know us.”

Meet the Fenton mavericks manufacturing some of Michigan’s best machinists

By Talent and Economic Development Department • January 21, 2019
On any given day inside Epic Machine’s high-tech manufacturing facility, Pete Jamieson has his hands full making high-precision machined parts that are shipped to customers in 29 states and 12 countries for use in everyday products. He and his colleagues produce the rollers used in production of Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats cereal. Ever drink from a McDonald’s cup? Epic makes vacuum molds that generate the 5 million lids for McDonald’s beverages sold annually. Their handcrafted expertise is also used in products for General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Mercury Marine, John Deere, Navistar, Briggs & Stratton and more than 200 other customers that make products ranging from medical equipment and solar energy parts to tooling components for fire hydrants and manhole covers. It’s a labor of love, Jamieson said. “I’ve been here three years and it’s just awesome – I have a great career,” said the Byron native, whose twin brother, Tom, works alongside him at Epic Machine’s nondescript, 38,000-square-foot factory just east of U.S. 23 between Ann Arbor and Flint in southern Genesee County.

Michigan Gains Manufacturing Jobs For A Fourth Straight Year

By Chelsea Mills • May 11, 2015
Manufacturers’ News reports Michigan is now home to 13,915 manufacturers employing 675,400 workers.

OUR FIRST COMMERCIAL

By Chelsea Mills • January 15, 2015
Epic CNC Training Academy will soon become known to many households in the WEYI viewing area.

Mott Community College Open House

By Chelsea Mills • August 4, 2014
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WorkKeys Test

By Chelsea Mills • July 11, 2014
Epic Machine is now authorized to offer the online WorkKeys test on-site.

LOCAL JOBS IMPROVE TRI-COUNTY ECONOMY

By Chelsea Mills • June 7, 2014
There’s a strong economic vibe taking place in Michigan after years of falling sales, layoffs, foreclosures, etc.

MANUFACTURING 10,000 JOBS

By Chelsea Mills • March 14, 2014
The American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII) is designed to establish an ecosystem to support the production of advanced lightweight metals in a part of the country that’s often considered the historic seat of American manufacturing.

2014 COURSE SCHEDULE

By Chelsea Mills • February 27, 2014
Epic CNC Training Academy will be offering it's next CNC Session starting March 24th.

DIRECTOR OF EPIC CNC ACADEMY IS SPEAKING ABOUT HAND-ON TRAINING METHODS IN FRANKENMUTH NOV. 7TH

By chelseajaie • October 29, 2013
Melinda will discuss how Epic Academy is unique to traditional institutions, success stories of students and the Academies outlook for the future.
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