Manual Lathe Operator

Central Alabama Community College

Short-Term CertificateNon-degree

Embedded Short-Term Certificate awarded while pursuing the Machine Shop AOT degree. Focuses on manual lathe operation skills.

Format

In-Person

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Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

Program Requirements

Courses required to complete this program

MSP 104BASIC MACHINING CALCULATIONS

2 cr

MSP 105LATHES

3 cr

MSP 121THIS COURSE INTRODUCES MORE COMPLEX INDUSTRIAL BLUEPRINTS. EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON AUXILIARY VIEWS,

3 cr

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

Manual Lathe Operator

Central Alabama Community College

Short-Term CertificateNon-degree

Embedded Short-Term Certificate awarded while pursuing the Machine Shop AOT degree. Focuses on manual lathe operation skills.

Format

In-Person

Eligibility Calculator

Which aid programs apply to this program?

Record Quality Eligibility Calculators

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-4041.00

Skills

Operation and ControlMonitoringOperations MonitoringActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control Analysis

Knowledge

MechanicalProduction and ProcessingMathematicsDesignEngineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingAdministration and Management

Abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessManual DexterityFinger DexterityControl PrecisionProblem SensitivityNear VisionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningSelective AttentionInformation OrderingVisualizationMultilimb CoordinationRate Control

Tasks

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specificati
Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to
Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling in

Technology

Industrial control softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareObject or component oriented development softwareInventory management software

Tools

3-axis computerized numerical control CNC machinesAdjustable wrenchesAngle platesAngled feeler gaugesAnvilsArbor pressesAviation snipsBall peen hammersBandsawsBeverly shearsBinocular light compound microscopesBoring barsBoring toolsBrake pressesBrass hammers1-2-3 blocksAllen wrench setsAutomatic tool changersAutomatic turret lathesBar feedersBench grindersBevel protractorsBore gaugesBoring headsCapstan lathesCarbide cutting insertsCenter findersCenter-cutting end millsCoaxial indicators

Work Values

SupportWorking ConditionsIndependenceAchievementRecognitionRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: emerging (Level 1)(based on Short-Term Certificate)

Precision measuring instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers — identify and handle under direct supervision on the shop floor to support basic dimensional checks.
Blueprint and engineering drawing fundamentals — interpret basic views and title-block tolerances under technician guidance before beginning a machining operation.
Manual lathe and milling machine controls — operate under close direction to produce simple turned or milled features on soft metals within stated tolerances.
Machine feed and speed tables — read and apply manufacturer-recommended settings under supervisor instruction during initial production runs.
Completed workpieces — measure and compare against a go/no-go gauge or dimension sheet under supervision to identify obvious out-of-tolerance conditions.
Cutting tools and tool holders — select and mount following a written setup sheet under journeyman oversight in a vocational or apprenticeship lab setting.
Basic shop mathematics including fractions, decimals, and unit conversions — apply to calculate simple part dimensions from a drawing with guidance from a senior machinist.
Machine tool lubrication and daily cleaning routines — carry out according to posted maintenance schedules to support proper operational condition of shop equipment.
CNC machine control panel — navigate basic functions such as homing, tool offsets, and cycle start under direct instruction during introductory CNC training.
Active listening and clarifying questions — use when receiving verbal or written job instructions from a supervisor to ensure correct setup before cutting begins.

Program Requirements

Courses required to complete this program

MSP 104BASIC MACHINING CALCULATIONS

2 cr

MSP 105LATHES

3 cr

MSP 121THIS COURSE INTRODUCES MORE COMPLEX INDUSTRIAL BLUEPRINTS. EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON AUXILIARY VIEWS,

3 cr

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

Some details on this page are auto-populated from public workforce data sources: O*NET (opens in new tab), BLS (opens in new tab), College Scorecard (opens in new tab), DOL Training Provider Results (opens in new tab), NSX (opens in new tab). Provided in partnership with LER.me Career Intelligence.