Most employers will only require you to have a high school diploma or a GED if you want to work as a CNC programmer. However, you may be required to have an associate’s degree in CNC programming or a professional certificate in this field in some situations. Higher-level jobs may require a bachelor’s degree in addition to a certification, but this is not a common requirement.
Applicants for the majority of positions must have at least five years of experience programming various CNC machines. It’s also a good idea to understand the fundamentals of aerospace materials and tools, such as stainless steel, plastics, and aluminum. Advanced mathematical principles are usually required, so proficiency in accelerated math disciplines is preferable. However, most employers do not require candidates to have a specialized education in mathematics.
The majority of jobs in this field are in noisy mechanical environments, such as workshops, plants, or manufacturing-engineering departments. If you want to work as a CNC programmer, you should be able to work in environments where noise levels are high on a regular basis. This may not be the best career field for you if you need peace and quiet to function on the job.
Overall, the dynamics of these types of jobs can provide some variety during the majority of workdays. You may also need to know how to use drafting software in order to become a CNC programmer. You should also be able to decipher blueprint drawings, engineering notes, and other technical jargon related to the machinery you will be working with on a regular basis.
Before you try to officially enter the field, you might want to look for a position as an intern or apprentice to gain experience in preparation for this career. You may be asked to perform the duties of a technical writer as part of your training to become a CNC programmer. You might want to take some English, business writing, or report writing classes to prepare for these types of assignments. It is not necessary to have a degree in one of these fields, but you may find it useful to be able to demonstrate your technical writing abilities.
People in these positions are usually excellent communicators. You may also need supervisory skills to effectively manage a small number of employees in order to be a successful CNC programmer. You may also be asked to lead meetings on occasion, so being able to speak in front of large groups is advantageous.