MoWest Workforce Development will be offering an inaugural certificate for CNC Operator Training – Haas. The course will include machine shop safety, measurement instrument use, quality control, introduction to CAD & basic 3D modeling, CAM basics and CNC machining, HAAS CNC mill introduction and G-Code Fundamentals and integration of CAD/CAM with CNC Machining.
Next Classes Starting:
September 30, 2025 | Twice a week for 16 weeks, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
March 2026
Place:
MWSU’s Houlne Center for Convergent Technology
4141 Mitchell Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64507
Cost:
$2,000 for the September class which includes all tools, supplies and a reference book for you to keep. This program can be paid for through Missouri Fast Track funds or WIOA funds, for those who qualify. Check here for details.
The price increases to 2,499 in 2026.
Participants will have the option to sit for the NIMS CNC Certification credentials upon completion of the program.
*Must be 18 or older and have completed high school diploma or GED
80+ Hour Certificate
This course, originally offered as an 8-week introductory program for 4-hours each week, has been extended to 16-weeks for 5-hours each week, plus one or two Saturday mornings if needed. The expanded 80+ hour curriculum will include the following learning topics in this order:
- Industry Safety
- Dimensional Measurement
- Mechanical Print Reading
- Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
- Machining Processes
- Milling
- Turning
- CNC Machining – Haas
- CNC Programming – Haas
- CNC Turning and Grinding
- CNC Machine Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- Statistical Process Control
This 80+ hour training will be an applied learning course using ACRA manual lathes and mills, Haas simulators, and Haas automated lathes and mills. This program offers both a virtual and real CNC machine experience that allows learners to first practice and develop the required skills for operating a virtual CNC machine via our virtual trainer that acts like a real CNC machine. For example, if a learner forgets to turn the power on, they must figure out the problem as they would on a real machine. Once learners have mastered the virtual experience, they will have hands-on learning with real CNC machines.
To be effective members of the workforce, CNC machine operators must possess a wide range of skills, so Missouri Western State University’s CNC Machine Operator training teaches future operators hands-on skills in the following areas:
- Performing part measurement and gauging
- Interfacing with a CNC
- Making tooling decisions
- Responding to machine malfunctions
- Setting-up and operating a CNC machine
The CNC Machine Operator program is taught by practicing professionals and covers all of the following key skill areas:
- CNC mill, lathe and grinder set-up and operation
- Tool identification, set-up, use and maintenance
- Machining processes
- Statistical process control
- Quality and cycle time optimization
- CNC program operation
- Fixture set-up and operation
- CNC troubleshooting and maintenance for operators
- Precision measurements and gauging
- Print reading
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
This program is designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to operate CNC machines effectively. Additionally, a step-by-step beginners tutorial on utilizing Autodesk Inventor 2025 (CAD) is included at no extra charge.
Cost:
$2,000 for the September class which includes all tools, supplies and a reference book for you to keep. This program can be paid for through Missouri Fast Track funds or WIOA funds, for those who qualify. Check here for details.
The price increases to $2,499 in 2026.
** Must be at least 18 years of age and have a HS Diploma or GED before enrolling.
Refunds for workforce development programs, unless otherwise noted on the specific program page, are available at 100% up to 7 days in advance of the start date of the program. Refund requests received 6 or fewer days before the start date of the program, or any time after the start date of the program, will not be approved.