Technical standards outline the skills and expectations required for students to successfully enter, progress through, and complete the program. They ensure clarity and consistency for students, faculty, staff, administration, and disability services. These standards apply equally to all students.
If you require accommodations to fully participate in the program, please contact the Office of Disability Services to confidentially discuss your needs. Technical standards can be met with or without accommodations, and the examples provided are not all encompassing.
Technical Standard, Definition and Examples
Ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and integrate information.
Examples:
- Evaluate drawings and prints to perform proper machining tasks.
- Apply basic mathematical skills to solve problems.
- Demonstrate mathematical dexterity in machine-related computations.
Sufficient motor function to set up and run manual and CNC machining equipment. Able to stand on hard or concrete floors for prolonged periods of time. Able to work with hands, being able to feel by touch, with finger dexterity.
Examples:
- Perform basic competencies related to machining of various parts on manual and CNC machines.
- Participate completely in lab activities.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform bench-related work activities.
Effectively use a computer, keyboard/mouse, and a CNC controller. Ability to physically inspect parts for issues and quality. Ability to perform dexterous manipulative work. Feel by touch with finger dexterity. Complete duties requiring stooping and bending.
Examples:
- Input of both alphanumeric data and use of hardware found on a CNC controller in order to program, set up, and operate a CNC machine.
- Physically measure and inspect parts both prior to, during, and post completion for quality and tolerances.
- Use industry standard measurement tools, such as calipers and micrometers.
Ability to tolerate a wide range of noise which can potentially be loud. Effectively hear sounds that indicate potential issues and problems in the machining environment.
Examples:
- Actively listening during machining process for sounds that indicate appropriate processes while machine is operating and parts are being manufactured.
- Ability to hear other students and staff in the machine shop while machines are operating.
Sufficient visual acuity to distinguish details from a distance and at a close proximity while wearing appropriate eye protection and sufficient enough to access printed and electronic documents as well as reading gauges.
Examples:
- Visually inspect parts for quality and precision.
- Accurately read a variety of measurement instruments during the manufacturing inspections and set up of parts.
- Read SDS documents.
Able to follow both written and verbal instructions. Appropriate interpersonal interaction with other students, faculty, staff, facility owners, customers, and other technicians. Effective communication with others both written and verbal.
Examples:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of prints and engineering drawings and the ability to communicate those details.
- Ability to translate geometric tolerances and symbols as they relate to quality and inspection.
- Communication with oral and written documents in the machining processes as they relate to part drawings.
- Communicate with others in the work environment to troubleshoot machine and programming issues.
Ability to work with others in a variety of settings and situations. Maintain hygiene and dress requirements appropriate for a machining environment.
Examples:
- Collaborate and work with other students during group projects that require more than one student per machine.
- Attend class and shop time with clean, appropriate attire that maintains safety standards within the machine shop.
Behave in a safe, professional, and appropriate manner in both dress and actions as required by the program. Maintaining a work pace that is appropriate and actively moving toward quality project completion.
Examples:
- Wearing safety glasses or other required PPE and approved clothing at all times while working in the machine shop, regardless of the tasks being performed.
- Being attentive to the machining environment and actively monitoring movements when working with the tools and machines.
- Effectively utilizing the time in the machine shop to work on the tasks at hand and not being distracted to others.
We are committed to ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed in this program. If you have a documented disability, reasonable accommodations will be provided unless they fundamentally alter essential training requirements, create undue hardship, or pose a safety risk to you or others.
Disability Services Statement
If you have a documented disability and need accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office (Ward Hall Building; 252-638-1454) as soon as possible—ideally before classes or field experiences begin. You are also encouraged to inform your instructor as needed so we can best support your learning.