[bacsilove]

I'm currently in school at my community college to get my CNC Specialist certificate. Yes, I know that the certificate don't mean jack w/o the experience. Therefore, I'm pretty pessimistic about where my future is heading after I'm done with schooling.

How can I find a mentor? Do I just walk into a company and ask them to let me hang around? I've tried e-mailing a few staffing agencies; However, they didn't respond back. I have no friend or family that are in the field.

How did you guys get your foot in the door? I'm really interested in this field, but so far, it seems like no one even bother giving you a chance if you don't have at least 2 years of experience.

Please give me some advice.

[ach59]

Try applying for a general shop helper.
like running a saw,deburring, doing secondary ops like on a bridgport

[ymerandy]

Stay in school and finish it up in the mean while ask your instuctor if he has any leads. I would also put an ad in the locale papers.:wave:

[5axis jesse]

Try to stay in school and try to take a programming class that can help you get in the door. Try getting into a shop that needs some type of general machinist helper. Mtma might have something. Keep trying something will come your way and good luck.

[DMF_TomB]

i am surprised. when i went to college for cnc night school course they had a bulletin board with help wanted ads. ask your teacher if he knows of any jobs. i was in classes where in class teacher asked if anybody could help fill a job position as CNC programmer which pays more than CNC operator
.
of course the shops want people with little or no experience.
1) work cheaper (often 1/2 normal pay)
2) do what they are told without arguing (less than seniors)
3) willing to learn new ways or methods
.
not saying machinist with 30 years won't do what they are told or not willing to learn. but ask a senior machinist to work for <$10/hr and sweep the floor or clean the machines all day and you will see some very unhappy people.

[5axis jesse]

Yeah its tough, i started working in a machine shop when i was 17 yrs old. Started as a cnc lathe operator (trainee). worked at that company for 3 yrs and i learned as mush as i could, took alot of notes. Then went to work as a cnc mill operator in 87, and still with the same company 2011. You need to start looking on the net look in craigslist: lansing classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events --- cnc machine operators i have seen alot in there. Its tough out there just hang in you will find something good luck!!!!