Overview
 Draft Letter of Intent (.doc)
 Recommended Competencies
 Meet the Expert Panel
 US Department of Labor : Apprenticeship Training website

Required Apprenticeship Core Competencies
Core Competency: The common occupational industry-wide duties (most important areas of responsibilities including foundation knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics: KSAO) in which performance must be demonstrated to an established standard in order to be credentialed as a journey level worker in the selected occupation.
 

NIMS Certified Machinist: Journey Level Core Competencies

Machinist Core Competencies NIMS Credentials
1. Identify & Demonstrate Usage of Machine Safety & Personal Protective Equipment

 

 

Measurement, Materials, and Safety Level I

2. Demonstrate Compliance with Lock-out/Tag-out Procedure and OSHA Requirements and Guidelines

3.

Machine Operations & Material Handling, Hazardous Materials Handling & Storage
4. Part Inspection
5. Process Control
6. Process Adjustment - Single Part Production
7. Participation in Process Adjustment & Improvement
8. Manual Operations: Layout

 

Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout Level I

9. Manual Operations: Benchwork
10. Sawing
11. Job Process Planning
12. Drilling Operations Drill Press Skills Level I
13. Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers Level I Turning Between Centers Level I
14. Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers Level II Turning Between Centers Level II
15. Turning Operations: Chucking Level I Chucking Level I
16. Turning Operations: Chucking Level II Chucking Level II
17. Milling: Square Up a Block

Milling Level I

18. Manual Milling: Vertical & Horizontal Level I
19.

Manual Milling: Vertical & Horizontal Level II

Milling Level II
20. Surface Grinding, Grinding Wheel Safety

Grinding Level I

21. Surface Grinding, Horizontal Spindle, Reciprocating Table Level I
22. Surface Grinding, Horizontal Spindle, Reciprocating Table Level II Grinding Level II
23. CNC Programming - Milling and/or CNC Programming -Turning

 

CNC Milling and / or CNC Turning Level I

24. CNC: Write a Simple CNC Milling and/or CNC Turning Program and Review Tool Path
25. CNC: Operate a CNC Milling Machine and/or Operate a CNC Lathe
26. General Housekeeping & Maintenance

 

Included in all Machining Credentials

27. Preventative Maintenance-Machine Tools
28. Tooling Maintenance
 
 

NIMS Certified Machine Builder: Journey Level Core Competencies

Machine Builder Core Competencies NIMS Credentials
1. Identify & Demonstrate Usage of Machine Safety & Personal Protective Equipment

 

 

Measurement, Materials, and Safety Level I

2. Demonstrate Compliance with Lock-out/Tag-out Procedure and OSHA Requirements and Guidelines

3.

Machine Operations & Material Handling, Hazardous Materials Handling & Storage
4. Part Inspection
5. Process Control
6. Process Adjustment - Single Part Production
7. Participation in Process Adjustment & Improvement
8. Manual Operations: Layout

 

Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout Level I

9. Manual Operations: Benchwork
10. Sawing
11. Job Process Planning
12. Drilling Operations Drill Press Skills Level I
13. Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers Level I Turning Between Centers Level I
14. Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers Level II Turning Between Centers Level II
15. Turning Operations: Chucking Level I Chucking Level I
16. Turning Operations: Chucking Level II Chucking Level II
17. Milling: Square Up a Block

Milling Level I

18. Manual Milling: Vertical & Horizontal Level I
19.

Manual Milling: Vertical & Horizontal Level II

Milling Level II
20. Surface Grinding, Grinding Wheel Safety

Grinding Level I

21. Surface Grinding, Horizontal Spindle, Reciprocating Table Level I
22. Surface Grinding, Horizontal Spindle, Reciprocating Table Level II Grinding Level II
23. CNC Programming - Milling and/or CNC Programming -Turning

 

CNC Milling and / or CNC Turning Level I

24. CNC: Write a Simple CNC Milling and/or CNC Turning Program and Review Tool Path
25. CNC: Operate a CNC Milling Machine and/or Operate a CNC Lathe
26. General Housekeeping & Maintenance

 

Included in all Machining Credentials

27. Preventative Maintenance-Machine Tools
28. Tooling Maintenance
29.

Job Process Planning (Machine Building Level II and Level III)

 

 

 

 

 

NIMS Credentialing Achievement Records Level II and Level III

30. Job Planning - Layout (Machine Building Level II and Level III)
31. Parts Identification and Preparation
32. Preparation for Assembly-Level Base of Machine
33. Measure & Verify Bearing Surfaces
34. Surface Preparation
35. Bolt Hole Preparation
36. Install Bearings & Shafts to Housing
37. Select & Install Gears; Match, Align, Secure, & Pin Mating Parts
38. Install Components for Fluids & Air
39. Install Mechanical Components on Machine
40. Install Drive Systems
41. Performance Test Sub-Assembly
42. Mount, Align, & Secure Sub-Assemblies
43. Set Machine Adjustments
44. Install Machine Guarding
45. Verify Machine Operation
46. Tear Down Machine for Shipment (if applicable)
 
 

NIMS Certified Press Setup/Operator- Stamping: Journey Level Core Competencies

Press Setup Operator - Stamping Core Competencies
  NIMS Credentials
1. Identify & Demonstrate Usage of Machine Safety and Personal Protective  Equipment 

 

 

Metalforming Level I

2. Awareness of Lock-out and Tag-out Procedures
3. Hazardous Materials Handling & Storage, including EPA, Hazmat, and OSHA
4. General Housekeeping & Maintenance
5. Read Job Process Plan
6. Identify & Respond to Warning Signals during Production Operations
7. Part Inspection
8. Process Control
9. Explain the Continuous Improvement Process
10. Measure, Chart & Evaluate Product Using SPC Principles
11. Part Inspection Using Standard Inspection Equipment

At least one of the following:

Operate with Single Hit Tooling

Operate with Compound Dies

Operate with Progressive Dies

Operate with Deep Draw Dies

Operate with Transfer Dies

12. Monitor Process, Record Required Production Data, Respond to Problems
13. Select, Load & Restart Materials
14. Adjust Press and/or Required In-Line Equipment
15. Operate Press with Required Tooling
16. Adjust Lubrication System, Fill & Refill the Lubrication System
17. Set-Up & Test Safety Systems

Parts Inspection and Quality Control

and at least one of the following:

Set Up with Single Hit Tooling

Set Up with Compound Dies

Set Up with Progressive Dies

Set Up with Deep Draw Dies

Set Up With Transfer Dies

18. Set-Up & Adjust Lubrication & Coolant Systems, Fill & Refill the Lubrication System
19. Set-Up & Operate Press with Required Tooling
20. Explain & Verify Operation of Sensors
21. Explain Press Components & In-Line Components
22. Explain Fundamental Die Theory
23. Detect Raw Material Defects
24. Explain Basic Material Properties & Qualities
25. Verify Product Quality
26. Troubleshoot Running Processes

   

  
 

NIMS Certified CNC Setup/Programmer - Turning: Journey Level Core Competencies

CNC Setup Programmer - Turning Core Competencies NIMS Credentials
1. Identify & Demonstrate Usage of Machine Safety & Personal Protective Equipment

 

 

 

Measurement, Materials, and Safety Level I

2. Demonstrate Compliance with Lock-out/Tag-out Procedures and OSHA Requirements and Guidelines
3.

Machine Operations & Material Handling, Hazmat Materials Handling and Storage, including EPA, Hazmat, and OSHA
4. Part Inspection
5. Perform the Inspection of Parts
6. Process Control
7. Process Adjustment - Single Part Production
8. Participation in Processes Improvement
9. Manual Operations: Layout

 

Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout Level I

10. Manual Operations: Benchwork
11. Sawing
12. Job Process Planning
13. Drilling Operations Drill Press Skills Level I
14. Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers Turning Between Centers Level I
15.

Turning Operations: Chucking

 		 Chucking Level I
16. CNC Programming - Turning

CNC Turning Level I

17. CNC: Write a Simple CNC Turning Program and Review Tool Path
18. CNC: Operate a CNC Lathe Level I
19. CNC: Operate a CNC Lathe Level II CNC Turning Level II
20. CNC: Advanced Manual Programming

CNC Turning Level III

21. Use Manufacturing Modeling Software to Create Programs
22. General Housekeeping & Maintenance

Included in all Machining Credentials

23. Preventative Maintenance - Machine Tools
24. Tooling Maintenance
 
 

NIMS Certified CNC Setup/Programmer - Milling: Journey Level Core Competencies

CNC Setup Programmer - Milling Core Competencies NIMS Credentials
1. Identify & Demonstrate Usage of Machine Safety & Personal Protective Equipment

 

 

 

Measurement, Materials, and Safety Level I

2. Demonstrate Compliance with Lock-out/Tag-out Procedures and OSHA Requirements and Guidelines
3.

Machine Operations & Material Handling, Hazmat Materials Handling and Storage, including EPA, Hazmat, and OSHA
4. Part Inspection
5. Perform the Inspection of Parts
6. Process Control
7. Process Adjustment - Single Part Production
8. Participation in Processes Improvement
9. Manual Operations: Layout

 

Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout Level I

10. Manual Operations: Benchwork
11. Sawing
12. Job Process Planning
13. Drilling Operations Drill Press Skills Level I
14. Milling: Square Up a Block

Milling Level I

15.

Manual Milling: Vertical & Horizontal Level I

16. Manual Milling: Vertical & Horizontal Level II

Milling Level II

17. CNC: Programming - Milling

 

CNC Milling Level I
18. CNC: Write a Simple CNC Milling Program and Review Tool Path
19. CNC: Operate a CNC Milling Machine level I
20. CNC: Operate a CNC Milling Machine Level II or CNC Machining Center

CNC Milling Level II
21. CNC: Advanced Manual Programming

CNC Milling Level III
22. Use Manufacturing Modeling Software to Create Programs
23. General Housekeeping & Maintenance

 

Included in all Machining Credentials

24. Preventative Maintenance - Machine Tools
25. Tooling Maintenance

 

  
 

NIMS Certified CNC Setup/Programmer - Milling and Turning:

Journey Level Core Competencies

CNC Setup Programmer - Milling& Turning Core Competencies NIMS Credentials
1. Identify & Demonstrate Usage of Machine Safety & Personal Protective Equipment

 

 

 

Measurement, Materials, and Safety Level I

2. Demonstrate Compliance with Lock-out/Tag-out Procedures and OSHA Requirements and Guidelines
3.

Machine Operations & Material Handling, Hazmat Materials Handling and Storage, including EPA, Hazmat, and OSHA
4. Part Inspection
5. Perform the Inspection of Parts
6. Process Control
7. Process Adjustment - Single Part Production
8. Participation in Processes Improvement
9. Manual Operations: Layout

 

Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout Level I

10. Manual Operations: Benchwork
11. Sawing
12. Job Process Planning
13. Drilling Operations Drill Press Skills Level I
14. Milling: Square Up a Block

Milling Level I

15.

Manual Milling: Vertical & Horizontal Level I

16. CNC: Programming - Milling

 

CNC Milling Level I
17. CNC: Write a Simple CNC Milling Program and Review Tool Path
18. CNC: Operate a CNC Milling Machine level I
19. CNC: Operate a CNC Milling Machine Level II or CNC Machining Center

CNC Milling Level II
20. CNC: Advanced Manual Programming

CNC Milling Level III
21. Use Manufacturing Modeling Software to Create Milling Programs
22. Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers Turning Between Centers
23. Turning Operations: Chucking Chucking Level I
24. CNC Programming - Turning CNC Turning Level I
25. CNC: Write a Simple CNC Turning Program and Review Tool Path
26. CNC: Operate a CNC Lathe Level I
27. CNC: Operate a CNC Lathe Level II or Turning Center CNC Turning Level II
28. CNC: Advanced Manual Programming CNC Turning Level III
29. Use Manufacturing Modeling Software to Create Programs
30. General Housekeeping & Maintenance Included in all Machining Credentials
31. Preventative Maintenance - Machine Tools
32. Tooling Maintenance
 

 

NIMS Certified Tool and Die Maker: Journey Level Core Competencies

(Guideline Standards Under Development)

Job Process Planning

Manual Operations: Benchwork

Manual Operations: Layout

Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers

Turning Operations: Chucking

Milling: Square Up a Block

Surface Grinding, Grinding Wheel Safety

Surface Grinding, Horizontal Spindle, Reciprocating Table

Drill Press

CNC Basic Programming

Part Inspection

Process Control

Participation in Process Adjustment & Improvement

Identify & Demonstrate Usage of Machine Safety & Personal Protective Equipment

Machine Operations & Material Handling, Hazardous Materials Handling & Storage

General Housekeeping & Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance-Machine Tools

Tooling Maintenance

Manual Milling: Vertical & Horizontal

Cylindrical Grinding

Sawing

Lock-out, Tag-out Procedures

Review Design, Part Print & Customer Quality Standards

Determine Required Process Plan to Complete Die/Tool in Allotted Time

Explain/Describe Metallurgical Theory-Determine Heat Treating Requirements

Lay Out Details for Manual Machining Operations

Machine Details to Die Design Prints Using Standard Tool Room Equipment

Prepare Details for CNC Operations & EDM Processes

Use Hand Tools on Contoured Steel from CNC Milling Operations

Grind/Mill or Wire EDM All Other Details to Finished Size After Heat Treat

Mount Form Steels, Form Pads, Trim Details & Pierce Station to Die Set

Dry Run Die to Stop Blocks

Assemble Die for Development Process

Describe/Explain Sensor Function

Set-Up Die in Tryout Press

Spot Form Steels

Develop & Validate Trim Lines

Develop & Validate Draws & Forms

Validate Part

Make Adjustments As Determined from First Tryout

Mount All Remaining Die Details to Die Set

Assemble Die for Final Tryout

Set-Up All Dies in Tryout Press

Perform Corrective Actions Required to Assure Stamped Part Conformance

Assure Production Readiness of Die or Tool

 

NIMS Certified CNC Operator- Turning: Journey Level Core Competencies

(Guideline Standards Under Development)

Job Process Planning  

Manual Operation: Benchwork  

Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers  

Turning Operations: Chucking  

Drilling Operations 

CNC Programming  

CNC: Write Simple CNC Program & Review Tool Path  

CNC: Operate a CNC Lathe  

Machine Power Tapping: Taper Reaming & Pipe Tapping  

Part Inspection  

Machine Operations & Material Handling  

Hazardous Materials Handling and Storage, including EPA, Hazmat, & OSHA  

General Housekeeping & Maintenance  

Preventative Maintenance - Machine Tools  

Tooling Maintenance  

Process Control 

Process Adjustment - Single Part Production

Participation in Process Improvement  

Identify & Demonstrate Usage of Machine Safety & Personal Protective Equipment 

Lock-out, Tag-out Procedures  

Turning: Between Centers Taper Turning  

Turning: Chucking, O.D. & I.D. Tapers Using a Taper Attachment 

Perform Inspection of Parts  

Turning Operations: Manual Contour Turning 

Turning Operations: Steady Rest Turning & Boring 

Turning Operations: Follower Rest Turning 

Turning Operations: Difficult Materials  

CNC: Advanced Manual Programming 

Use Manufacturing Modeling Software to Create Programs  

CNC: Turning Centers

 
NIMS Certified Mold Maker: Journey Level Core Competencies

(Guideline Standards Under Development)

Job Process Planning

Manual Operations: Benchwork

Manual Operations: Layout

Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers

Turning Operations: Chucking

Milling: Square Up a Block

Surface Grinding, Grinding Wheel Safety

Surface Grinding, Horizontal Spindle, Reciprocating Table

Drill Press

CNC Basic Programming

Part Inspection

Process Control

Participation in Process Adjustment & Improvement

Identify & Demonstrate Usage of Machine Safety & Personal Protective Equipment

Machine Operations & Material Handling, Hazardous Materials Handling & Storage

General Housekeeping & Maintenance

Preventative Maintenance-Machine Tools

Tooling Maintenance

Manual Milling: Vertical & Horizontal

Cylindrical Grinding

Sawing

Review Design & Data Sheet

Develop Initial Manufacturing Plan

Determine Process to Meet Due Date

Lay Out Work Pieces

Perform Rough Machining

Explain/Describe Metallurgical Theory-Determine Heat Treating Requirements

Produce Electrodes & Operate Electrical Discharge Machines

Perform Finish Machining & Prefit Components

Define & Polish Product Area

Pre-Assemble & Inspect Base

Pressure Test for Leaks

Install Ejector Pins & Return Pins

Install Necessary Hardware

Describe/Explain Sensor Function

Lock-out, Tag-out Procedures

 
NIMS Certified Maintenance, Service and Repair: Journey Level Core Competencies

(Guideline Standards Under Development)

Prepare Machine Maintenance Schedule

Confirm Frequency of Checks

Perform Broad Scan Visual Inspection

Confirm Proper Operation & Operating Performance

Be Sensitive to Changes in Operating Conditions

Confirm Operation of Machine Safety Devices

Perform Fluids Change

Locate Check Points & Grease Points

Check Particulate Matter

Clean Up Spills

Select Proper Fluid Types

Filters

Verify Controller Functions-Level II

Verify Machine Diagnostic Capabilities-Level II

Confirm Accuracy of All Instrumentations

Create a Project Plan

Troubleshoot Project

Use a Computer as Diagnostic Tool

Maintain Records

Be Sensitive to Heat Build-Up, Odors, and Variations in Part Consistency

Seal Fluid Leaks

Identify Contamination Sources

Verify Controller Functions-Level III

Verify Machine Diagnostic Capabilities-Level III

Confirm Operation of All Gauges

Inspect & Confirm Condition of Bearing

Repair Shafts & Bores for Mountings

Install Bearings

Verify Bearings Installation

Select and Replace Gearing

Check Heat of Operation

Verify Operation of Sensors

Verify Volt & Amperage Capacity

Replace Damaged Electrical Components

Replace Electronic Components

Confirm Structural Integrity

Verify Balance, Leveling, Squareness, Parallelism & Perpendicularity, Pitch, Yaw, & Roll  

Use Solder

Diagnose Welding Needs

Use Alternative Technologies

Machine Operations & Material Handling, Hazardous Materials Handling & Storage

Lock-out, Tag-out Procedures

© copyright 2005 NIMS, Inc. all rights reserved