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Become a highly skilled machinist and your skills will always be in-demand! Gateway’s CNC Machinist Apprenticeship prepares you to use machine tools such as lathes and milling machines to create or refurbish precision machined parts. Working closely with engineering and production teams, you’ll use blueprints and written procedures to complete machining tasks. 

  • Earn up to $23.74 an hour as an established machinist.
  • Gain over 8,400 hours of blended on-the-job and classroom training, providing a solid foundation for your machinist career.
  • Begin a rewarding career with no student debt – in fact, you’ll get paid to attend classes!
  • In the last year of your apprenticeship, you’ll take a Transition-to-Trainer course to prepare you to share your skills with others and take on a position of leadership in your field. 

Qualifications

You must also be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or equivalent, have a valid driver’s license and pass an aptitude test. 

Get started as a Machinist Apprentice

  1. You need to be in an apprenticeship program with your employer and should apply directly to employers, if you are not employed as an apprentice.  
    1. Gateway’s Career and Employment Services team can provide assistance.
    2. Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) also offers employment information for prospective apprentices.
  2. If an employer wishes to hire you, they will submit an apprentice application to Wisconsin’s DWD. You will be given a credential notice if the DWD determines that you meet the Bureau of Apprentice Standards qualifications.
  3. You and your employer will submit the credential notice, the Apprentice Application (Form #1488) and the fee ($10.00) to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935.
  4. The Department of Safety and Professional Services will issue the apprentice permit after the application is approved. You may begin to work after your permit is issued. Your permit will be valid for three (3) years.
  5. Once your permit is in place, Gateway’s Apprenticeship department will communicate with you regarding registration, classes and books. 

Curriculum Sheet:
pdf icon  50-420-2 Machinist Apprentice Curriculum Sheet.pdf

Career Pathway Map:
pdf icon  Machinist Apprentice Career Pathway Map.pdf