1. You must have some high school education.
2. You may need college or other courses in machining.
3. You usually receive several months' on-the-job training.
4. With experience as a machine operator, you may move up the ranks to a senior position, such as a set-up operator.
5. With apprenticeship training, you may move up the ranks from machining tool operator to become a machinist or tool and die maker.
6. Most recent entrants have a trade/vocational certificate, and almost 3 in 10 have a Community College diploma.