Machinists

Fine Tune Your Future. Machinists Are in Demand.

Do you like crafting things? Operating machinery? Working with high-tech tools along with the old reliable ones?

If so, you'd be a good fit for a career as a machinist.

Machinists are highly skilled manufacturing workers. They use power-operated tools to produce precision metal or plastic parts. Machinists differ from general machine operators because they have extensive knowledge of a number of precision machine tools. Oftentimes, machinists will work with industrial machinery mechanics, providing the specialty parts the mechanics need to fix the machines. As technology improves, more and more machines are now controlled by computers which require an ever-increasing knowledge and skill base level for machinists.

Due to high expectations of retirement, Machinists are in demand in the Gulf Coast Region.

This occupation is still healthy and strong after the recent oil downturn with an expecation of an additional 2,200 jobs by 2028. The growth and replacement together show needs for many machnists in the near future dur to predicted baby boomer retirements.

Many machinist jobs in the Gulf Coast Region are at companies that manufacture products supporting oil and gas exploration.

How do you become a machinist?

High School Endorsement: Business & Industry

Bare minimum, a machinist needs a high school diploma or the equivalent before attending on-the-job training, but a growing number of machinists earn two-year associates degrees at community colleges or in technical programs. High school or vocational school courses in trigonometry, blueprint reading, metalworking and drafting are recommended to develop a strong background before entering the workforce.

To demonstrate skill sets amongst a uniform standard of competency, a variety of certifications are available that can help align a machinist into a career specialization. Click here to learn more. 

Gulf Coast Region Machinist Programs

Community Colleges That May Offer Training
(Depending on Demand)

• College of the Mainland
• Houston Community College System
• Lee College
• Lone Star College

Major Employers in the Gulf Coast Region

• ABB Vetco Gray Inc
• Ameri-Forge Corp
• Baker Oil Tools
• Cameron
• Dresser-Rand
• Dril-Quip Inc
• FMC Energy Systems
• Goodman Manufacturing
• National Oilwell
• NCI Building Systems
• Oceaneering International
• Schlumberger
• Wyman-Gordon Forging

If you have questions about our Industry/Occupation Profiles or are an organization in the Gulf Coast Region, please contact webmaster@wrksolutions.com.

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