You must have some high school education. You may need college or other courses in machining. You usually receive several months' on-the-job training. With experience as a machine operator, you may move up the ranks to a senior position, such as a set-up operator. With apprenticeship training, you may move up the ranks from machining tool operator to become a machinist or tool and die maker. Many recent entrants have a high school diploma, and almost 2 in 5 have a trade / vocational certificate or community college diploma.

High School Diploma
Certificate

Computer skills
Mechanics
Communication skills
Precision work

Machine Shop
Blueprint Reading
Computer Basics
Math