I started out in the machining industry in high school knowing that I enjoyed working with my hands and discovering what made things tick. I attended a technical high school and worked at a machine shop with my uncle making machines able to wrap sandwiches.

After graduation, I was hired as an apprentice at a machine shop where I was able to learn jig-boring, form grinding, and precise assembly. I also learned how to design progressive, compound, and other types of stamping dies.

Having learned about the industry, I chose to travel finding work wherever I went. In various shops, I learned about the metal drawing industry and how to build tooling and fixtures to support wire EDM machines.

After settling down I began working out of my home part-time which eventually lead to my opening up my own business. One of the many things I like about the business is that it's anything but boring. The technology is continually changing and there is always something new to learn. There is a lot to keep up with from EDM to CNC to new computer aspects. For a creative person who likes to work with his hands and his or her imagination, there is virtually no end to the possibilities.

Description
Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools. They fit and assemble parts to make or repair other machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, material properties, layout, and machining procedures. They also study specifications, such as blueprints, sketches, or descriptions of parts to be manufactured or replaced, check their work with precision measuring tools, such as micrometers and calipers. Many program, setup and operate CNC (computer numerically controlled) machine tools.

Education
Grade 12 plus apprenticeship (2 to 5 years).

Machinist training varies from a formal apprenticeship and post secondary programs to learning the trade informally on the job. A high school or vocational school education, including mathematics, blueprint reading, metalworking, physics, and drafting is desirable.

Training
More than 2 years and up to 4 years of training is required by a typical worker in order to acquire the techniques, knowledge, and abilities necessary for average performance as a machinist. Training may include formal education; apprenticeship, in-plant, and on-the-job training; and experience in other jobs.

The US Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training reports that this is an apprenticeable occupation. Apprentice machinists must complete 8,000 supervised hours in machine work covering subjects such as machine shop practices, quality control, drilling, milling, lathe training, grinding, special work assignments, and tool and die making. They must complete another 576 hours in areas such as safety training, blueprint reading, introduction to personal computers and keyboarding, and principles of numerical control.

Characteristics of Job

• Many changing duties
• Making judgments and decisions
• Meeting strict standards

Skills and Abilities Needed

• Using hand tools and machines proficiently
• Following blueprints and drawings
• Measuring, cutting, or working on items with great accuracy
• Using mathematics and geometry to determine amount and cost of materials needed and dimensions to be followed
• Picturing what finished product will look like
• Accepting responsibility for the accuracy of your work

Physical Demands

• Lifting
• Standing for long periods
• Judging depth and distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Carrying
• Reaching
• Manual dexterity

Wages
The average wage for machinists in New Hampshire for 1996 was $12.57 per hour. The Portsmouth, Dover, Rochester, Seabrook wage survey of $14.93; followed by the Berlin, Colebrook, and Lancaster LMAs wage survey area with $14.35; and the Peterborough LMA wage survey area with $14.09.

Employment

In 1994 there were an estimated 1,787 machinists employed in private industry statewide according to New Hampshire Employment Projections - 1994 to 2005. Ninety-three percent of machinists' jobs were in the following five manufacturing industries: Industrial Machinery and Equipment, Electronic and Other Electric Equipment, Fabricated Metal Products, Instruments and Related Products, and Rubber and Miscellaneous Plastics Products. Machinists were found outside of manufacturing in wholesale trade, retail trade, and services.

In 2005, the majority of machinist jobs are expected to be found in the same five industries as in 1994. Gain for machinists in Industrial Machinery and Equipment, Fabricated Metal Products and Rubber, and Miscellaneous Plastics Products are expected to more than offset sizeable losses in Electronic and Other Electrical and Instruments and Related Products.

United States
There were an estimated 369,000 machinists employed in the United States in 1994. Nationwide, machinist employment is expected to decline by about 20,000 by 2,005. Machinists will become more productive as the use of automation increases. Qualified applicants should, nevertheless, have numerous job opportunities as employers have reported difficulties in attracting workers to machining jobs. Total job openings due to growth and separations are expected to hit 79,000 from 1994 to 2005.

Staffing Patterns in Manufacturing
Occupational Employment Statistics Surveys sampling New Hampshire manufacturing firms were conducted in 1992 and 1995. Manufacturing industries staffing patterns estimates showed an increase of 448 jobs between second quarter 1992 and second quarter 1995.

Job Openings
New Hampshire Employment Security's 12 Local Offices received 221 openings for machinists during 1997 program year, July 1, 1996 to June 30, 1997. The majority of these openings (199) were vacant for more than 150 days. Fourteen of the 221 openings were filled during the year.

NH Works
The number of job orders for machinists posted on the NH WORKS electronic bulletin board/Website increased from 25 in June of 1996 to 42 in June of 1997. More than half of the order in June of 1997 were in Belknap and Hillsborough counties.