The CNC program is being offered at the Platteville High School. For more information, please contact your guidance counselor or our Career Prep Coordinator, Brianna Fortney by Emailing Brianna.

Today's advanced manufacturing businesses are looking for employees that have experience with tools, machines, and mechanicals.

As a student in the CNC Machine Operator/Programmer program, you'll learn to operate a variety of machine tools, setup, operate, and program CNC machines, read and analyze engineering drawings, and use precision measuring and inspection instruments.

The CNC Machine Operator/Programmer program is not accepting Applications at this time.

Graduates of the CNC Machine Operator/Programmer program are employed as:

  • Machinists
  • CNC machinists
  • Quality control inspector
  • CNC Operator
  • CNC programmers
  • Field service representatives
  • Overview
  • Is This Program for You?

    Students entering the CNC Machine Operator/Programmer program should:

    • Have good reading and math skills.
    • Have good hand-eye coordination.
    • Pay attention to details and neatness.
    • Have a mechanical aptitude.
    • Enjoy researching technical information.
    • Have good communication skills.
    • Enjoy problem solving.
    • Think creatively.

    Program Basics

    • Technical diploma
    • Classes are offered daytime, face to face, and on campus
    • Fall start
    • Credit for prior learning may be available
  • Curriculum & Costs
  • Cost of Attendance (COA) 24-25

    Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

    Category Amount
    Tuition and Fees $4,820
    Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $9,148
    Books and Supplies $1,466
    Personal Expenses $3,608
    Transportation $4,018
    Charger Tech 360 Fee $600
    Loan Fees $84
    Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $23,744
    1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $11,872

    Based on Wisconsin Residents.

    Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

    Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

    These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

  • Requirements
  • Admission and Program Requirements

    • Submit Application
    • To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
    • Admissions Meeting: After applying and submitting transcripts, work with your advisor to begin or continue your student success plan to talk about your career interests and goals, develop a plan for paying for college, learn about various funding options, create an academic map, and discuss supports and services. Schedule an admissions meeting by clicking "Make an appointment" with your program advisor.

    Helpful Academic Background

    • Math and science
    • Written and oral communications

    Program Fees

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
    • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

    Additional requirements

    Students must have eye protection (safety glasses with side shields or wrap around safety glasses over prescription glasses) and must meet OSHA Z87.1 or greater while they are conducting operations that are deemed hazardous in nature. These glasses can be purchased at the College Bookstore.

  • Outcomes
  • Program Outcomes

    At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

    • Apply basic safety practices in the machine shop
    • Interpret industrial/engineering drawings
    • Apply precision measuring methods to part inspection
    • Perform basic machine tool equipment set-up and operation
    • Perform programming, set-up, and operation of CNC Machine Tools
  • Career Opportunities
  • Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

  • Transfers
  • Prior Learning
  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

    Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

    For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

    At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

    CNC Machine Operator/Programmer Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

    Course # Course Title
    Challenge Exam
    (Demonstration)
    Challenge Exam
    (Standard)
    CLEP
    Credential
    Portfolio
    10-105-110Computer ApplicationsYes
    31-420-320Intro to Print ReadingYes
    31-420-322Intro to Manual MillYes
    31-420-323Intro to Manual LatheYes
    31-420-327Intro to Surface GrindingYes
    31-420-328Intro to Mastercam Mill 2DYes
    31-420-329Advanced Manual MillYes
    31-420-330Advanced Manual Lathe MachineYes
    31-420-333Intro to Mastercam LatheYes
    31-420-336Basic CNC Operation MillYes
    31-420-337Basic CNC Operation LatheYes