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Would you enjoy working as a machinist? This program is designed to provide you with precision machining concepts, blueprint reading and inspection procedures. Upon completion of this program, you will be prepared for employment as an entry level machinist. All coursework in this program is offered during the evening. This Precision Machining Level 1 program is the first part of the Computer Numerical Control Operations AAS degree.

Program Length 1 year (2 semesters)
Career Opportunities There is an urgent need regionally and nationwide for machinists, quality assurance inspectors and machine operators.
Is this pathway for you? Yes, if you are a hands-on learner who enjoys creating from raw materials and blueprints.

G3 Eligible This program is G3 eligible. G3 Scholarships cover tuition and fees for Virginia residents of modest income who are pursuing high demand careers.
Tuition & Fees At only $162.11 per credit hour, you’ll save $10K to $22K, in tuition costs alone, by starting at VHCC! Out-of-state students living within a 30-mile radius qualify for in-state tuition.

With an AAS in CNC / machine operations from VHCC, an 8,000 hour Journeyman Machinist Certificate and a 2,000 hour Journeyman CNC Machinist Certificate plus 20 years of machining experience, Johnnie Keene brings extensive practical and real-world experience to the classroom.
Johnnie Keene Program Coordinator MEC 104
jkeene@vhcc.edu | 276-739-2455


For more than 50 years, VHCC has been committed to making our region a better place to live, work, and learn!


Beautiful 100 acre campus in Abingdon
The SAT and ACT are merely numerical indicators of college readiness and are therefore not required. We’ve found that if you’re committed to your own success, regardless of your scores, then we’ll be able to help you cross the finish line!
Our instructors and career coaches are recognized by regional industry leaders and enjoy tremendous success connecting our students with employment opportunities upon degree completion.

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Virginia Highlands Community College was recently voted the #1 College in the Region through the Best of Bristol Awards program – from a group of two and four year colleges and universities in southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee.