Machining Training by Amatrol
CNC machinists are among the most in-demand skilled workers in manufacturing today. Every industry that produces physical goods, from aerospace and automotive to medical devices and consumer electronics, depends on people who can set up, operate, program, and troubleshoot CNC machines with precision and confidence.
Machining is a vital industrial field that involves using lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and other equipment to cut material into specific shapes and sizes. As facilities increasingly rely on computer-controlled machines to drive that work, employers need workers who understand both the fundamentals of machine operation and the programming logic behind it.
Klein Educational supplies Amatrol machining training systems and curriculum to K-12 schools, colleges, and workforce development programs across California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Alaska. As the only authorized Amatrol distributor in these seven states, we help programs get the right systems specified, installed, and running.
What is Amatrol machining training?
Amatrol's machining training program brings a focused, streamlined approach to one of manufacturing's most essential skill areas. The curriculum centers heavily on CNC machine operation, taking learners from basic machine safety and manual tool operation all the way through CNC programming, setup, tooling selection, and quality inspection.
The program aligns with several Amatrol pathways including CNC Machine Operator, Industrial Maintenance, and Advanced Manufacturing. Learners work with real industrial-grade equipment, including Denford CNC mills and lathes designed specifically for training and education, supported by Amatrol's multimedia curriculum that combines 3D animations, video, interactive exercises, and hands-on skills practice.
What students and trainees learn
Amatrol's machining curriculum covers the full range of skills needed for CNC machine operator and related technical roles:
CNC mill safety, setup, and operation
CNC lathe operation and programming
Linear and circular interpolation
G-code and M-code programming
Absolute and incremental positioning
Speeds, feeds, and cutter compensation
Tooling selection, nomenclature, and care
Workholding principles and fixture setup
Manual lathe and milling machine operation
Band saw, drill press, and hand tool operation
Quality inspection and part measurement
CNC/automation integration within mechatronics lines
The machining curriculum also covers supporting topics like principles of grinding, gear manufacturing, coolants and oils, and machining center operations, giving learners a thorough understanding of the broader machining environment they will work in.
A closer look at key training systems
Amatrol's machining line includes a progressive series of learning systems that build skills from the ground up.
The Machine Tools 1 Learning System covers foundational machining skills including band saw operation, drill press use, manual milling machine introduction, milling processes, manual lathe introduction, turning operations, and basic lathe operations. It is the ideal starting point for learners who are new to the machining environment.
The CNC Machines 1 and 2 Learning Systems use the Denford Micromill, a compact three-axis CNC milling machine designed specifically for training. CNC Machines 1 covers CNC mill fundamentals including linear interpolation, startup and shutdown blocks, tooling selection, locating zero, and absolute and incremental positioning. CNC Machines 2 builds on that foundation with speeds and feeds, canned cycles, and cutter compensation.
The CNC Machines 3 Learning System introduces learners to the CNC lathe using the Denford Microturn, a compact two-axis CNC lathe built for training environments. Learners study basic lathe G- and M-codes, absolute and incremental programming, circular interpolation, and program interpretation before applying those skills directly on the machine.
The FANUC CNC Control curriculum extends learner skills to industry-standard FANUC controls, covering CNC mill operation, CNC program operation, and CNC turning operation using the control systems they will encounter in real manufacturing facilities.
For programs that want to integrate machining with automation, the Mechatronic CNC Mill Learning System combines a Denford Micromill with Amatrol's Mechatronics Servo Robotic Assembly Station, giving learners hands-on experience incorporating CNC machining into an automated production line.
Systems built for every training environment
Amatrol builds machining training systems for a range of institutional environments, from high school CTE labs to community college programs to workforce development centers.
For high schools, Amatrol's CNC Machine Operator program provides a structured pathway that takes students through the essential skills of CNC operation in a format that fits within the CTE classroom. Instructor training is also available as a recommended precursor to help programs launch with confidence.
For colleges and workforce centers, Amatrol's post-secondary machining systems go deeper into programming, tooling, and integration with automation systems. All systems are supported by interactive multimedia curriculum that can be used in self-paced, instructor-led, or blended formats, and includes virtual simulators that let learners practice measurement and machine operation before touching real equipment.
Why machining training matters now
CNC machinists and machine tool operators are consistently listed among the most difficult positions for manufacturers to fill. The ongoing skilled worker shortage in manufacturing affects machining roles as directly as any other, and the gap is expected to widen over the coming decade as experienced machinists retire and facilities continue to adopt more advanced CNC technology.
Learners who complete CNC machining training are entering a job market that is actively looking for them. The median annual wage for machinists and tool and die makers is well above entry-level manufacturing roles, and workers with CNC programming skills command even greater demand. Whether a student is heading into the workforce straight from high school or a professional is upskilling mid-career, machining training delivers credentials employers are hiring for right now.
How Klein Educational supports your program
Klein Educational is more than an equipment supplier. We work with CTE directors, college department heads, and workforce administrators from the first conversation through installation and beyond. That includes needs assessment, equipment specification, lab layout planning, and staff training.
As the only authorized Amatrol distributor in the western US, we have direct access to the full Amatrol product line, curriculum, and support infrastructure, which means faster service and deeper product knowledge than you'll find anywhere else in the region.
Frequently asked questions
What is Amatrol machining training? Amatrol machining training is a hands-on technical education program that teaches learners how to set up, operate, program, and troubleshoot CNC mills, CNC lathes, and manual machining equipment. It covers everything from basic machine safety and manual tool operation to CNC programming using G- and M-codes, FANUC controls, and integration with automated production lines.
Who is Amatrol machining training designed for? Amatrol machining systems are built for K-12 CTE programs, community colleges, four-year engineering programs, and workforce development centers. Systems range from foundational machine tools training suited for high schools to advanced CNC operator and automation integration systems for college and workforce environments.
What careers does machining training prepare learners for? Machining training prepares learners for roles including CNC machine operator, CNC programmer, machinist, machine tool operator, and manufacturing technician, some of the most consistently in-demand positions across modern manufacturing.
Does Klein Educational help with lab setup and installation? Yes. Klein works with programs from needs assessment through equipment specification, lab layout, installation, and staff training. We guide the entire process so your program is set up correctly from day one.
What states does Klein Educational serve? We serve California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Alaska as the only authorized Amatrol distributor in these seven states.
Ready to Bring Machining Training to Your Program?
Whether you're building a new CNC lab or adding machining to an existing program, our team will help you find the right Amatrol systems for your space, budget, and goals.