What about the future?

[deji]

Hey all. I was wondering if I could get some input about something I have been thinking about lately.

I started college with the intent to transfer into a university. Computer science or computer engineering would have been the major. After a semester, I decided to take a semester of all machining classes. This way, I can have a better job while I go to school.

Took a manual machining class, cnc setup class, and a manual cnc programming class. The thing is, I kind of like it. Thinking of doing the whole program.

The one drawback that is constantly in my mind is the future. I am only in my 20's. Aren't these jobs all getting moved to other countries? When I look at the job ads now, there are tons. What about in 20 years?

I have no idea who to ask. Figured this place would be perfect. For all you older guys that have been doing this for many years. Your son just graduated high school. Even though he is a computer whiz, he says forget computers, I want to be a machinist. Would you tell him he is making a good choice? Or would you convince him out of it, reminding him that he will always have a high paying job available with a degree in computers?

Thanks all. Feel free to add any input. And no, I am not going to decide my future based on what a stranger tells me over the internet. Just want to get some input from people that have been in this trade for a while and know what should be expected for the future.

Thanks again.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by deji ...Your son just graduated high school. Even though he is a computer whiz, he says forget computers, I want to be a machinist....

Can't happen...forgetting computers to become a machinist; computers are an integral part of machining now. A competent Machinist these days should know all the old stuff such as basic metallurgy, material properties, tooling, etc, etc, for a list that goes on for many lines. Maybe some of it such as how to fix a leather flat-belt drive or Babbit a bearing can be omitted, however, today's, and tomorrow's Machinist also needs to know about computers, some electronics, electric motor control, servo systems, etc, etc.

Which means that a competent Machinist can move into just about any of the three basic divisions of industry; making things somebody else designed, fixing things somebody else made or designing things for other people to make.

It also means that in addition to getting practical hands-on training in metalworking you also need to get diploma or degree level education maybe in more than one field. What it boils down to is that if you have the ability and determination to become a fully rounded competent Machinist you have the ability to do almosy anything. So why worry that a job may not be available in the trade in 20 years, you will just do something else.

[Zumba]

Get the computer degree and don't look back. Stay on track and you'll be glad you did a few years from now. Focus on getting into a good university and doing well at the university. Don't switch majors. The point is to keep your options open by getting a degree that gives you flexibility. A CS/CE/EE degree from a good university does just that. At the same time, you should definitely continue to learn about machining on your own.

Success revolves around one-upping your competition... always has, always will (unless commies take over). Getting an engineering degree is a great start. Going to a votech school would likely put you at a disadvantage to everyone with a university degree. In your situation, it would also nudge you into a rut of doing things "the easy way". Your life will be full of challenges... start off strong by following through with the original plan.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by Zumba ....Going to a votech school would likely put you at a disadvantage to everyone with a university degree....

But going to votech, working for a while and then getting the university degree puts you at a distinct advantage over the pinheads who go straight to university and do not know anything real.

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

deji, I agree with Geof but I'm prejudiced. Thats what I did mmmany years ago. Go for it all. Good luck.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by RICHARD ZASTROW deji, I agree with Geof but I'm prejudiced. Thats what I did mmmany years ago. Go for it all. Good luck.

That is not prejudice that is just good common sense.

[Zumba]

Geof, I agree with what you say but I would change the order to university first, votech second. Being the "old guy" in undergrad affects your social life.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by Zumba Geof, I agree with what you say but I would change the order to university first, votech second. Being the "old guy" in undergrad affects your social life.

Precisely! I have the unconventional view that a university is an educational experience not a social experience. I have met too many people with degrees who had a great time at university and learnt SFA.

There is a distinct advantage being the old guy; it is easy to ace all the exams and walk away with the scholarship awards because all the young nitwits blow their brains out on booze and partying.

[CarbideBob]

Stay in school, get a 4 year degree in CPS/ME, and learn how to design and build CNC machines and robots. Then you get to play with computers and machines . Right or wrong, that piece of paper on the wall makes a big difference when looking for a job.
Bob

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

I like what one old prof. said, "This is a place to learn how to learn. The best thing we do is keep you out of the weather. Now, while your are here, try to open your minds so that when you leave, you will be able to learn from those who DO KNOW."

[Runner4404spd]

i figured i'd chime in here... i have a bachelors in mech engineering and a masters in mech engineering. i am 29 now and going back to vocational school to learn how to cnc parts and actually make things. the university degree is indispensible. if nothing else it has opened up a world of oppurtunity for me that has allowed me to buy my own equipment and open a shop in the near future, without worrying whether or not i can still put food on the table or pay me heating bill.

machine shops will always be around the states. some stuff will be off shored but other stuff will stay in house. The only thing to watch out for with a computer degree is that most people expect to make a ton of money wiht a computer degree and thats really not the case. you need to do what makes you happy.

[Shotout]

My opinion for what it is worth to you.

I graduated from votech almost one year ago and completed my CNC spec last Dec. My area has a Miller Brewing, Procter and Gamble as well as a Cooper Tire factory. We have untold small processing plants for peanuts, peanut products and pecans. We have numerous small businesses manufacturing specility products that are marketed internationally thanks to the internet. Also we have a ton of businesses that need machine work for repair of obsoleted parts, manufacture of modifications to equipment etc. The vast majority of parts we are making would be extremely cost prohibitive to ship internationally, and what happens on the prototype assemblies we build when something isn't right on the design end? How fast can a change order be implimented and how quick can a part that won't work be remade to the new dimensions and delivered from China?

Long story short delivered a set of assy to a local factor, someone goofed on a clearance and smashed the assy when they fired it up. Old one wouldn't work anymore since new brackets had been welded on. I went in at 3am to make a new, better designed part for the undamaged assy and we had a PO for another complete one with the changes. What if that had been sent to China?

Don't forget the defense industy either. While in school instead of projects I wrote, proofed and fine tuned programs for my instructor. He has a nice sideline making parts for F-22 at a base here in GA, mostly tool kits and test insturments, but some update parts as well. Can't see that going overseas either. My point is that that even as China improves it's quality control a machinist with current skills will still demand a good wage well into the future in all walks of manufacturing.

I also agree with Geoff converning continuing regular college classes after completing your CNC program. I start back to college later this year and am looking forward to it. It shows prospective employers that you are intellegent, focused, interested in self improvement, can continue to learn and all that translates into business as a better employee with a better wage. Plus it is fun to learn new stuff

Keep in mind I was suppose to be a mechanical engineer at one time, had the grades and the SATs to become a Rambling Wreck from GA Tech. Life got a little complicated and best laid plans and all. Even with a couple of minor regrets I wouldn't trade the life I'm building for my wife, my soon to be born daughter and myself for an alternitive future that I probably wouldn't have gotten near the satisfaction out of as I am getting out of learning this trade.

Scott, who has had more fun than a pedigreed pup.