How to get started

[RedDog22]

First off. I'd just like to say hello to everyone here at CNCzone.

I'm not sure where else to post this. So if by chance this is the wrong place. Please let me know.

I've made this thread to ask questions about getting into the field. Is it possible to get a job without schooling? I plan to go to school for programming and design. Its just I'd really like to be able to have a job and work there as I go to school. And progress as I do. Over the last few years. I've gained a hug interest in machining. and am always reading up on things. And I'd really like to get started working at a shop. Even if it was sweeping floors until I learned. Is that possible? Do people offer an apprentice like program or training? I've looked through the phone book under machine chops and found tens of places. But who do I speak to? In Ohio we have a job source online and in the machine trades they're all looking for floor operators and programmers with years of experience. How is it I start low?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm sure I'll have more. :P

Thank you everyone for your time.

[Arty 3000]

this is what you need to do. get in a machine shop as a cnc operator. (button pusher) then go enroll in N.T.M.A have the company that you work for sponcer you. it's going to take work. you first have to understand prints, tooling, set-up, and manual programming (trig, G codes M codes) then get into Cad/Cam. best way to get into a machine shop not knowing anything about machining is to ASK. go to a machine shop and tell them you are intrested in machining and that you are willing to learn. and go from there. keep this in mind. YOU HAVE TO WANT THIS. machining is not for everybody. you have to be excited about this trade and want to do this. or it will consume you and you will get frustrated and quit. this is just my 2 cents. Art

[RedDog22]

Thanks for responding to my thread.

I've worked with programs like SolidWorks, SolidCam(Very little), MasterCam, and non engineering software like Maya, Cinema4D, and others.

I do want to be in this. I love the idea of taking raw materials and turning them into something practical. I've done a lot of reading on manual mills, tooling, tools, and many other things. I know this means jack squat unless you've put any of that to use.

Aside from just walking in. Giving a phone call first would be okay? I'd much rather just walk in a shop to talk. But driving to 67 different shops isn't feasible for me at this time.

Thanks again for responding. and hope to hear from others as well!

[RedDog22]

Hello again everyone.

I think I'm not in a great situation location wise here. Toledo Ohio. The economy here is terrible and I think it's showing. in our phone book under machine chops we have roughly 90 places. All of which are either not hiring, down sizing. Or are only willing to take on highly experienced people.

Is there a way I can find out where there is a demand for jobs in the field?

[trooper55]

There should be nation studies online showing where there are hot spots for it. or look to where there is schooling for it still. Just my 2 cents. OR go on moster jobs or hot jobs what ever it may be and look around. i think the goverment even has an online job listing place.

[Underscore002]

I have been working in a CNC shop for a little over 2 months now. I had no previous experience or knowledge of CNC machines or machining before I was hired. It seemed to me that the owner was more interested in me wanting to actually be there, he was looking for someone who gets excited making parts and learning CNC. I started out slow basically pushing the green button and loading parts, after about a month I had my own machine to work on (a very nice HAAS VF-2) and I now set up and run my own parts. We do a lot of high tolerance prototype pieces so I do a lot of setup. In the near future I am going to ask about programming, I don't know if its too soon for that but I really want to learn. Its nice to actually enjoy work Good luck in your search!

[thaswell]

I would try talking to the people at the Penta Career Center.
30095 Oregon Road Perrysburg, Ohio. 43551- 4594
(419) 666-1120.
This information was updated September 5, 2007 ...

It's not far from you and they might give you some good ideas.

Good luck!