Machinist– Automotive machinist

Nature of Work

A machinist uses other machines to repair parts, or make parts from a blueprint or drawing. Shafts, threaded parts, bushings, packing sleeves, impellers, aluminum and cast housing are just a few of the parts to be repaired. Machines used in this operation include lathes, milling machines, shapers, surface grinders, boring mills, boring bards, and honing machines. Machinists use precision hand tools such as micrometers, height gauges, calipers and thread gauges.

The Automotive Machinists usually specialize in engine rebuilding. This alone is a challenge, as there are over 100 different American engines on the market today. The ability to read and understand catalogs and manufacturers specifications is a must. The ability to retain information is mandatory. Some precision tools are required, inside and outside micrometer and torque wrench. The person who is capable of being a Machinist and an Automotive Machinist is very rare. This person should be able to work anywhere he or she chooses.

Entrance Requirements

Age: Minimum 18 years, may be required to furnish proof of age and proof of citizenship.

Health: Physical size and strength not a disability. Standing in one position for many hours. Quick reactions.

Aptitude: Mechanical knowledge, ability to make precise decisions. Ability to visualize a finished product.

Education: High School graduate, Technical School or Vo-Tech. Reading, writing and
blueprints. Catalogs and manufacturers specifications a must.

Term of Apprenticeship

Length of training: Four years (8000) hours.

Related classroom training: 144 hours per year.

Probationary period: First six months.

Credit for previous experience: May be granted depending on advancement abilities and previous schooling. Credit from previous employer.

Working Conditions

Mass production of parts can be monotonous. Burns from chips from lathe, dust and carbon from grinding. Dirty clothes from cleaning parts. Keeping work area clean to prevent injuries.
Some allergic to solvents and other cleaning agents. Hard toe shoes mandatory, some clothing supplied by employer. Year round work, forty-hour week with paid vacations and some holidays off.

Wages

Apprentices wages begin at 50% of Journeyman scale with a raise every 1000 hours of
completed time. Work sheets of on-the-job work must be turned in every month.

Special Characteristics

Knowledge and abilities: Attention to detail, accuracy, and manual dexterity, coordination.

Interests: Enjoy a masterpiece from a completed job.

Temperament: Stability, dependability, ability to work and train others, read and study on your own and persistence.

Physical capacities: Medium to heavy work, physical stamina and agility, frequent lifting,
bending, pushing and pulling.

Tools Used

Hand tools	Air tools	Micrometers
Drills	Calipers	Taps and dies
Reamers	Punches and stamps

Suggested High School Subjects

Mathematics	Geometry	English	Welding
Reading	Auto shop	Machine shop

Potential Advancements

Apprentice: Each 1000 hours (approximately 6 months) for advancement and pay raises.
Journeyman: Shop Foreman, Tool and Die Maker, Owner.

Employment Outlook

Continuing need for Apprentices to replace retiring Machinists. During economic slow down, high demand for rebuilt parts.

How to Apply

Complete appropriate applications with prospective employers or contact local JATC representative.

Completion Procedures

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the Montana Department of Labor and
Industry’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training will present the registered apprentice with a
Certificate of Completion.

Program Locations and Additional Information Sources

Barney Cooper
Great Falls Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee
4 Eaton Avenue
Great Falls MT 59405
Phone: 406-453-7555

Butte Auto and Machinists Trades JATC
55 West Granite
Butte MT 59701
Phone: 406-723-8044

Montana Department of Labor & Industry Apprenticeship & Training Program
P.O. Box 1728
Helena MT 59624-1728
Phone: 406-444-4500
wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice.asp

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
www.iamaw.org