Pathfinder Tech

Advanced Manufacturing

SKILLS ACQUIRED AT EACH GRADE LEVEL

Grade 9

  • General program safety and proper conduct in a manufacturing setting
  • OSHA and ‘Right to Know’
  • Work holding fundamentals
  • Fundamentals of Manual Machining (Lathe and Milling)
  • Introduction to Surface Grinding
  • Fundamentals of  Blueprint Reading & Interpretation of Technical Drawings
  • Introduction to Metrology (Measurement and Inspection)

Grade 10

  • General program safety and proper conduct in a manufacturing setting
  • OSHA and ‘Right to Know’
  • Intermediate Manual Machining (Lathe, Milling, Grinding)
  • Fundamentals of Proto Trak CNC (Milling & Turning)
  • Fundamentals of Solid Modeling & Annotation (Solidworks)
  • Fundamentals of CAM Operation (Master Cam and SmartCam)
  • Intermediate Blueprint Reading & Interpreting Technical Drawings
  • Intermediate Metrology (Measurement and Inspection)
  • Fundamentals of CMM operation

Grade 11

  • General program safety and proper conduct in a manufacturing setting
  • OSHA and ‘Right to Know’
  • Advanced Proto Trak CNC (Milling & Turning)
  • Fundamentals of G-Code CNC Programming (Lathe & Milling)
  • Fundamentals of CNC Milling Set-up & Operation
  • Fundamentals of CNC Turning  Set-up & Operation
  • Intermediate Solid Modeling & Annotation (Solidworks)
  • Intermediate CAM Operation (Master Cam, SmartCam)
  • Intermediate CMM Operation

Grade 12

  • General program safety and proper conduct in a manufacturing setting
  • OSHA and ‘Right to Know’
  • Advanced CNC Programming (Lathe & Milling)
  • Advanced CNC Milling Set-up & Operation
  • Intermediate CNC Turning Set-up & Operation
  • Intermediate to Advanced Solid Modeling & Annotation (Solidworks)
  • Intermediate to Advanced CAM Operation (Master Cam and SmartCam)
  • Fundamentals of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
  • Intermediate to Advanced CMM operation

Advanced Manufacturing

A machinist’s main job function is to set-up and operate machine tools that remove material to shape metal and other materials into precision parts. The principle goal of the Advanced Manufacturing program at Pathfinder Tech is to provide the resources that students need to stimulate their motor skills and mental capabilities. These abilities are developed in the student by providing instruction and experiences in designing, modeling, CNC set-up and programming, troubleshooting, observing, analyzing outcomes, investigating problems and machining precision parts. The transition from manual machining to CNC/CAM manufacturing processes is based on each individual’s ability and competencies. Individual instruction is the hallmark of this program: therefore, each student has the potential to be a productive machinist upon graduation.

NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS
  • Community projects
  • Senior class projects
  • Annual model car race and show
  • Collaboration with academic classes and other technical programs 
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED CREDENTIALS
  • OSHA 10hr Basic Industry Certification
  • MACWIC Levels 1&2
THIS PROGRAM RELIES HEAVILY ON THE FOLLOWING ACADEMIC SKILLS and/or DISCIPLINES
  • Geometry
  • Trigonometry
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Technical Reading and Writing

POSSIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES UPON COMPLETION OF PROGRAM

Upon graduation:
  • Apprentice Machinist
  • CNC Operator
  • Manual Milling and Turning Operator
  • Assembler
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Machine Tool Maintenance
  • Deburring Technician
After completion of 1-2 years of post-secondary technical training (apprenticeship, certificate program or associate’s degree):
  • CNC Programmer
  • Tool and Die Maker
  • Mold Maker
  • CNC Lathe and Milling Machinist
  • Cutter Grinder
  • Finnish Grinder
  • Engineering Technician
  • Quality Control Technician
After completion of advanced degree (4 year college degree or higher)
  • Mechanical Design Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Machine Shop Supervisor
  • Tool Applications Engineer
  • Machine Shop Owner
  • Quality Control Manager
  • Purchasing Manager
  • Materials Manager
  • Software Engineer

Pathfinder Tech offers a wide range of vocational technical programs that give students a competitive advantage both in college and the workforce. These sixteen programs are designed to help students create and follow pathways to a career of their choice.  Pursue your passion and enjoy your education!

To schedule a tour please contact our Guidance Department:
413-283-9701 Ext. 247
Email Our Guidance Department

The Cooperative Education Program at Pathfinder is an optional experience for seniors and juniors (second half of the school year) having a minimum 1,000 hours in their technical area. Through a cooperative arrangement between the school and employer, the student will receive job placement related to their technical area of study during their “shop week” with wages paid by the employer. To be eligible, a student must have the recommendation of their technical program teachers, meet the required grade, attendance, and discipline standards. The student must also have their OSHA 10-hour card. Some technical areas may require additional certifications prior to entering the program.