About this program

Smart manufacturing practices are on the rise. And the demand for skilled machinists is higher than ever. At Penn College, you’ll train within an industry-driven curriculum. Master CNC operations, programming, and setup. Practice precision measurement. And explore blueprint reading. In less than one year of full-time study, you’ll hone a well-rounded skillset that’ll prepare you to take the lead in one of the most rapidly growing career fields.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

Seamless Certificate-to-Associate Degree Pathway

4.6

Million Jobs Expected to Open in the Next 10 years

Extensive Hands-On Experience

Careers

  • Machinist
  • CNC Machinist
  • CNC Operator
  • CNC Setup and Operator 
  • CNC Swiss Machine Setup Technician

 

Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Mill Applications (MTT128)
  • Lathe Applications (MTT129)
  • Introduction to CAD/CAM (CIM102)
  • CNC Machining & Programming I (CIM104)
  • CNC Machining & Programming II (CIM124)
  • CAD/CAM (CIM220)
  • Quality Control with GD&T (MTT131)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH123) or
  • Career Mathematics (MTH011)
  • English Composition I (ENL111) or
  • Communications (ENL010)
Featured Video

Larry A. Ward Machining Technologies Center

Thanks to alumni Larry Ward's generous $1 million+ donation, the machining lab has undergone extensive renovations, including 50 new machines for the 14,299 square-foot lab. Check it out!

Maker Profiles
Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Apr 7

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong corporate partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

NIMS Logo
Lycoming Engines
Southwestern Logo
Gene Haas Logo
SECO Tools
Student Experience

The community as their classroom

Student-designed transmission passes test for Baja SAE team

Student-designed transmission passes test for Baja SAE team

Featuring a new, student-designed continuously variable transmission, the college’s single-seat, off-road vehicle finished eighth out of 96 cars in the endurance race at Baja SAE Tennessee Tech.

Learn more

Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Baja SAE

Join other students, across various majors, and apply your skills to design a vehicle to compete in regular Baja SAE competitions.

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA

Participation in SkillsUSA gives students a chance to compete in more than 80 national competitions. 

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Penn College News
03.25.2024

Site prep ramps up for Baja SAE Williamsport

Preparations for Baja SAE Williamsport are ramping up at Penn College’s Heavy Construction Equipment Operations Site in Brady Township. Last week, excavators, bulldozers, haul trucks and rollers dominated the landscape. The competition is scheduled for May 16-19, with 100 collegiate teams from 31 states, the District of Columbia, Brazil and Canada.

03.22.2024

Welding lab sparks 'Recruitment Day' connections

The Automated Manufacturing, Welding & Metal Fabrication Recruitment Day drew 24 employers and 111 students to Pennsylvania College of Technology’s welding lab on Wednesday. The expansive space, believed to be the largest welding facility in higher education nationwide, buzzed with connection.

02.21.2024

Industrious Baja SAE team designs, machines, strategizes

Even when they don't have class, members of Penn College’s Baja SAE team are still studious, working on elements of their off-road vehicle. Splitting their time between designing and machining, the team prepares for the mid-May international competition at Penn College's Heavy Construction and Equipment Operations Site in Brady Township.

Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

Learn More

More Information

View general transfer information

Tools

It is suggested that students have at least the recommended tools. This will minimize the time spent waiting in line to obtain or return the basic tools to the room. Instructors will help identify what tools are needed during the first day of class. Free lockers are located in the laboratory area. Students must supply their own locks. Lockers must be cleaned and locks removed at the end of the spring semester or College personnel will remove and discard the items.

Automated Manufacturing & Machining Required Tools

Uniform

Do not wear loose fitting clothing that may get caught in a machine; short sleeves or tightly rolled up sleeves are recommended. Long hair should be pulled back and securely fastened. Shop aprons should be worn to reduce the wear and tear on clothing. Safety glasses and safety shoes should be worn during time spent in laboratory area.

Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store .

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

  • Mr. Keith Blair, '86, Manufacturing Engineer, L-3 Communications
  • Mr. Richard C Bloom, Principal Process Development Engineer, First Quality Products, Inc.
  • Mr. Walter Boguslaw, Manufacturing Engineer, Harold Beck & Sons
  • Mr. Michael Brown, '89, '96, Manufacturing Engineer, Keystone Friction Hinge
  • Mr. Anthony Cicero, Regional Manager, TRAK Machine Tools
  • Mr. Bryan E Harlacker, '00, Process Engineer IV, Jabil Healthcare
  • Mr. Kenneth F Healy, '90, '01, Executive Vice President & Director of Engineering, PMF Industries Inc.
  • Mr. Robert Lazzari, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Johnson Controls Navy Systems
  • Mr. Zach Mazur, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Busch Manufacturing
  • Mr. Glenn Poirier, VP Sales & Marketing, MetalKraft Industries
  • Mr. Gary Slawik, Manager, Bihler of America
  • Mr. Chris Washinger, '92, Sales and Applications Engineer, Iscar Metals Inc.
  • Mr. Adam J White, '92, Senior Applications Engineer, Hardinge Inc.
  • Mr. Alex Witter, Director of Engineering, Keystone Friction Hinge
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair