Who is Mr. Hillwig?: Mr. Hillwig has been teaching Precision Machining at Crawford Tech for 24+ years. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Edinboro University of PA, his Bachelor of Science from Indiana University of PA and is currently working on his Master’s degree from California State University of PA. Mr. Hillwig received his Vocational Instructional II Certificate from Indiana University of PA. He received an Instructor Certification from Fanuc Robotics of America and has taken numerous Tool and Die courses. Mr. Hillwig holds all Level I & II National Institute for Metalworking Skills Certificates available (NIMS).
3 Year Program
Precision Machining
About This Course
Precision Machinists are highly skilled workers who provide tools, molds and special guiding and holding devices that are used to mass-produce a variety of metal and plastic parts. Machinists set up and operate all types of basic and advanced machine tools using precision measuring instruments. Through our program, students gain a basic understanding of machine tools, measuring instruments, metals and blueprint readings to prepare them for entry level positions in manufacturing.
There are two paths that Precision Machining graduates take. They either go directly to work, and continue the apprenticeship programs they started at Crawford Tech, or proceed to college to pursue engineering and manufacturing degrees. They work in industries that manufacture automobiles, aircraft, metalworking, fabricated metal products and plastics industries. Employment opportunities in the Crawford County area are notable due to the abundance of manufacturing companies which are nationally known for their precision work and skilled craft persons.
Course Details
Certificates Earned
NIMS Machining Level I
NIMS Machining Level II
OSHA Certification
Pennsylvania Skills Certificate
Course Content
- Safety
- Measurement Systems, Precision Measurements & Inspection
- Physics of Metal Cutting
- Horizontal & Vertical Bandsawing
- Vertical Millwork
- Surface Grinding
- Metallurgy & Heat Treating Processes
- Lathe Operations
- CNC Milling & Lathe Operations
- Design & Engineering (CAD I CAM)
- I.M.S Certification
- Benchwork
Recommended Skills and High School Courses
The next generation of Precision Machining graduates:
- Are mechanically inclined
- Have ability to produce work within prescribed tolerances & rigid standards
- Work quickly & economically
- Have an average to an above average aptitude in verbal, numerical, abstract, and mechanical reasonings
- Possess an average to an above average aptitude in spatial relation skills
And physically, should
- Have excellent hand-eye coordination
Career Pathways
This list is to help guide students in their career planning. This list is not complete and we challenge students to use their CTE training to find the perfect career goals to match their specific strengths and interests.
- Tool and Die Apprentice
- CNC Operator
- Maintenance Technician
- Apprentice/EDM Operator
- Machinist
- CNC Programmer*
- Gunsmith*
- Aeronautical Machinist/Mechanic*
- Manufacturing Engineer*
- Machine Shop Owner*
* Requires post-secondary training and/or education.
James Hillwig
Precision Machining
Ext. 235
