In today’s world, the role of machines has become an indispensable part of our life. Men and Machines have learned to coexist with each other with the latter acting as a dutiful servant for the Machinists.
It is hard to think of one existing without the use of machines even in the most primitive form.
As a profession, Machinists are fast-growing with few barriers to entry. Machinists are always learning because machine technology evolves rapidly.
What are Machinists?
Machinists are manufacturing professionals. They set up and operate machine tools that are both mechanically and computer-controlled. Also, they have knowledge of tooling and materials required to create setups on machine tools. Some of these machine tools are milling machines, grinders or lathes that produce precision metal parts. A Machinist repairs machinery or manufactures replacement parts for broken machines.
Job description of Machinists.
Machinists use machinery tools to make metal works, they create pieces such as automobile pistons, hydraulic components, steel bolts, anti-lock brakes, and so on. They use blueprints or computer-aided design (CAD) to complete their work. Machinists also monitor cutting paths as well as the speed and feed of machines.
In short, Machinists work for:
- Machinery and equipment machinery
- Motor vehicles, auto parts, and aircraft plants.
- Factories for shaped metal parts.
- Workshops
Their tasks include;
- Securing and adjusting workpieces
- Securing and aligning cutting tools
- Milling, shaping, grinding, and drilling machine parts to specifications.
- Smoothening product surfaces.
- Measuring and testing finished products
- Submitting finished products to customers and making modifications when necessary.
Here are a few examples of Machinists:
- Automotive Machinists
- Aviation Machinists
- General Machinists
- Tooling Inspectors
- Electrical Machinists
- Machining inspectors
- Machinists’ diesel design
- CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinists
- CNC MachineOperator
- Head Machinist
- Motor Machinists
- Metal Machinist
- Engine Machinists
How do we become a Machinist?
To become a Machinist, we require Skills and basic educational qualifications. This is because skilled machinists have a better chance of hiring than unskilled machinists.
Skills required to become a Machinist
A few of the skills that employers require from the Machinists are:
- Analytical Skills such as the ability to understand the technical blueprints, models, and terminology needed to craft components and products.
- Manual dexterity and accuracy are required by Machinists to create parts and follow designs to a millimeter.
- Many machinists require Physical Stamina to stand and perform repetitive movements for a long period.
- Mathematical abilities are necessary for machinists to understand and use computer applications and measuring machines.
- Machinists are required to examine blueprints and visualize the project they need to complete. For that, they require Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Machinists require mechanical skills to know how to operate machine tools such as grinding, milling machines, water and laser cutting machines, latches, and wire electrical discharge machines.
Other than the above skills there are few specific skills that employers search for in you as a skilled machinist. They look for candidates who have a basic understanding of metal networking processes, computerized measuring machines, and technical skills. These are
- Computer numerical control (CNC) programming and machining skills
- Technical writing and comprehension
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerance.
- Additive manufacturing
- CAD and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology
- Modeling and simulation
Here are a few steps that you should undertake to become a Machinist.
Step 1 Research Job dutiesÂ
You must start by researching different job duties depending on your job title. Different job titles have different roles and responsibilities. You have to determine which job profile suits you. These profiles include setting up tools and machinery, monitoring metal parts heating and cooling temperatures, and cutting and adjusting workpieces.Â
Step 2. Get a high school degreeÂ
You must complete your secondary education and earn a high school diploma in subjects like maths, geometry or trigonometry. You may also attend extra classes in drafting, metal works, and blueprint reading. If you are applying for advanced machinist positions you might have to use physics and advanced calculus. You must be proficient in computers as you will most probably work in computer-aided machinery.
Step 3. Complete a machinist post-graduate programÂ
You must be able to complete a two-year program at a community college or technical school to further your education. These programs will help you to an associate degree and teach advanced skills such as:
- Cutting and welding tools manipulation
- Design and blueprint reading
- Computer-aided design
- Computer numerical control
- Computer-aided manufacturing.
- Function and programming of computer numerically controlled machines.
Step 4. Pursue TrainingÂ
As a machinist trainee, you are required to get an on-the-job-training for at least one year after entering the industry. If you have just finished high school you will have to go for on-the-job training for 12 to 18 months.
The most common training program for an aspiring machinist is an apprentice program for 4 years. It requires you to get a high school diploma or GED and classes in trigonometry and algebra. Many of these apprentice programs are sponsored by manufacturers. The program requires you to work for 40 hours per week. These programs help you to study various aspects of the machinery industry that including metallurgy, and CNC machines, and advance to more complex tasks.
Step 5. CertificationÂ
You must get a Certification to improve your skills and demonstrate your qualifications. You can get your certification through colleges and training institutes. Here are a few of the certifications you can pursue.
- The National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials: By passing performance-based examinations that include written and practical components. You can earn credentials such as Certified Journeywork, CNC Setup Programmer, or NIMS Certified Machinist.
- Journey-level Certification: The state apprentice board offers this certification to Machinists.
- The Manufacturing Institute’s Skills Certification System: This industry-driven program aims to align education.
You become a Certified Machinist after completing your certification which has more value in the industry.
Step 6. Advance your career
You might become a CNC programmer or advance into managerial positions. If you want to start your own business you can work as an independent contractor after gaining experience.
Institutes offering training in Machinists in IndiaÂ
-
Alt Training College
Bangalore, Karnataka
  2. St. Joseph Industrial Training Institute’s courses
Mangalore, Karnataka
   3. Bharathidasan University Constituent Arts and Science College
Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
   4. Bright Future ITI
Ambala, Haryana
   5. Joseph Industrial Training Institute
Mumbai Maharashtra
Here are a few of the entrance exams to several institutes and colleges to provide admission to students.
 Entrance exams for MachinistsÂ
- IIT Jee Main: Joint entrance exam.
- BIT SAT: Birla Institute of Science and Technology
- VITEEE: Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination
- KIITEE: Kerala Institute of Industrial Technology Entrance Exam
- SRM JEE: SRM Joint Entrance Exam
The Scope for MachinistsÂ
Machinists have a wide scope of Employability. It ranges from self-employment and contractual employment to Industrial jobs. Machinists, Grinder, Operator of various types of power-driven metal cutting or grinding machines in production manufacturing industrial infrastructure, and defense organizations
A career as a machinist is a great opportunity for anyone willing to put in the time and effort. There is a limited barrier to entry, a high starting salary, and a positive job outlook.
The Demand for Machinists is projected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030. There will be 47,500 job openings for machinists and tool die makers each year for a decade.
For example, CNC Machinists are in high demand, especially those who have programming skills and advanced knowledge of advanced machinery.
How much does a Machinist Earn?
CNC machinists earn an average salary of Rs 20,690. A CNC operator earns Rs13,981 per month. A machine operator earns Rs14,615 per month, a manual machinist earns Rs 30,755 and a CNC programmer earns about Rs 19,544.
The average salary of machinists in India is Rs 15,546 per month.
Here are a few of the Top Machinist Companies in India
- ABC Enterprises
- Amar
- Veljan Hydrair Ltd.
- DIRAA HR Services
Other than that, there are large machinery shops near and around you that you can search and apply for.