Academic Programs

Programs Across
South Los Angeles

Two campuses, one mission — preparing students for careers in precision manufacturing with hands-on, industry-aligned training.

Compton, CA
Compton College

Machine Tool Technology

The flagship program — a comprehensive curriculum covering conventional and CNC machining from foundations to advanced manufacturing processes. Students gain proficiency in setup and operation of lathes, mills, grinders, EDM, and CNC equipment. Competencies are assessed in accordance with NIMS skill standards. Certificates and AS degrees available.

Courses Offered

MTT 101 — Intro to Conventional & CNC Machining

Introduction to principles and operation of conventional and CNC machine tools. Safety, measurement, hand tools, power saws, drilling machines, lathes, milling, and grinding.

MTT 103 — Conventional & CNC Turning

Advanced study of lathes covering turning, drilling, boring, threading, cutting tools, and CNC turning practices.

MTT 105 — Conventional & CNC Milling

Advanced examination of milling machines including drilling, milling, tapping, tooling, and CNC milling applications.

MTT 107 — Advanced Manufacturing Processes

Covers advanced manufacturing processes and machines including EDM, grinding, multi-axis programming and operation.

MTT 110 — Introduction to CAD/CAM

Fundamental concepts of computer applications in manufacturing, Computer Aided Design, CNC programming, and Computer Aided Manufacturing.

MTT 120 — Manufacturing Print Reading

Interpreting engineering drawings and specifications used in manufacturing. Covers GD&T, symbols, notations, and basic machine part construction.

MTT 140 — Machine Shop Calculations

Mathematics applied to machine shop work — speeds, feeds, screw threads, spur gears, geometric figures, and trigonometric functions.

MTT 146 — Basic Machine Tool Operation

Introductory hands-on course covering basic operation of machine tools for students new to the shop.

MTT 160 — General Metals

Introduction to metals and metalworking processes including machine shop practice, bench metal, and sheet metal.

Equipment

  • Haas UMC-500SS — 5-Axis Universal Machining Center (Super Speed)
  • Haas ST-20Y — Multi-Axis Turning Center with Live Tooling & Y-Axis
  • Haas TM-1P — CNC Toolroom Mill with Automatic Tool Changer
  • Haas TM-1 — CNC Toolroom Mill with Intuitive Programming
  • Haas TL-1 — CNC Toolroom Lathe
  • Haas CM-1 — High-Speed Compact Mill (30,000 RPM)
  • Bambu Lab X1-Carbon — AI-Powered 3D Printers
  • Manual Engine Lathes & Vertical Mills
  • Precision Inspection & Metrology Equipment
  • Thread Rolling Machines
  • Single-Die Two-Blow Cold Header Machines
  • Laser Cutting Systems
  • CAD/CAM Workstations with Industry-Standard Software

Certifications Available

  • CNC Machine Operator — Certificate of Achievement
  • Machinist — Certificate of Achievement
  • Numerical Control Programmer — Certificate of Achievement
  • AS Degree — Machinist Option
  • AS Degree — NC Programmer Option
Torrance, CA
El Camino College

Machine Tool Technology

Hands-on training in conventional and CNC machining, CNC programming, and advanced manufacturing. Students learn to set up and operate lathes, mills, grinders, EDM, and waterjet equipment. The program also offers a free pre-apprenticeship CNC certificate in partnership with South Bay Adult School.

Courses Offered

MTT 101 — Intro to Conventional & CNC Machining

Introduction to principles and operation of conventional and CNC machine tools. Safety, measurement, hand tools, drilling, lathes, milling, and grinding. NIMS skill standards.

MTT 103 — Conventional & CNC Turning

Advanced study of lathes covering turning, drilling, boring, threading, cutting tools, and CNC turning practices.

MTT 105 — Conventional & CNC Milling

Advanced examination of milling machines including drilling, milling, tapping, tooling, and CNC milling applications.

MTT 107 — Advanced Manufacturing Processes

Covers advanced manufacturing processes including EDM sinking and wire, waterjet cutting, and other advanced equipment.

MTT 10A — Introduction to CAD/CAM

Fundamental concepts of computers in manufacturing, Computer Aided Design, CNC programming, and Computer Aided Manufacturing.

MTT 10B — CNC Programming

CNC programming with emphasis on contouring, canned cycles, cutter diameter compensation, looping, macro subroutines, and multi-part programming.

MTT 10J — Numerical Control Graphics Programming

Interactive graphics programming for NC machines including geometry construction and tool motion.

MTT 10K — 3D NC Graphics Programming

Interactive graphics programming for 3D surface toolpaths, 4th/5th axis machining, and CAD data conversion.

MTT 2 — Manufacturing Print Reading

Engineering drawings and specifications used in manufacturing. Interpreting symbols, notations, and GD&T per ANSI Y-14.5 standards.

MTT 40 — Machine Shop Calculations

Machine shop problems involving screw threads, feeds and speeds, spur gears, angles, triangles, trigonometric functions, and compound angles.

MTT 16 — General Metals

Machine shop practice, welding, bench metal, art metal, forge, foundry, and sheet metal skills and design.

Equipment

  • CNC Milling Machines (2, 3, & 4-axis)
  • CNC Lathes (Turning Centers)
  • Conventional Mills, Lathes & Grinders
  • EDM Sinking & Wire Machines
  • Waterjet Cutting Machines
  • Laser Cutting & Engraving
  • Jig Boring Machines
  • CAD/CAM Workstations

Certifications Available

  • CNC Machine Operator — Certificate of Achievement
  • Machinist — Certificate of Achievement
  • Numerical Control Programmer — Certificate of Achievement
  • Pre-Apprenticeship CNC Certificate (free program)
  • AS Degree — Machine Tool Technology
Career Outcomes

Where This Takes You

Graduates of Mr. V's programs enter a wide range of manufacturing careers with competitive wages from day one.

CNC Machinist

$22–$35/hr

Set up and operate CNC mills and lathes in production environments.

CNC Programmer

$28–$42/hr

Write and optimize G-code programs and CAM toolpaths for manufacturing.

Quality Inspector

$24–$38/hr

Inspect machined parts using CMMs, gauges, and precision instruments.

Tool & Die Maker

$30–$45/hr

Design, build, and maintain tooling, fixtures, and dies for production.

Manufacturing Engineer

$65k–$95k/yr

Improve manufacturing processes, develop work instructions, and solve production problems.

Shop Supervisor

$60k–$90k/yr

Lead machining teams, manage schedules, and ensure quality and safety standards.

Start Your Manufacturing Career

Check the announcements page for registration dates, or browse current job openings from industry partners.