Frequently Asked Questions

NTMA Training Centers of Southern California

Soon to be known as NTMA Machinist Career College, NTMA Training Centers of Southern California is a not-for-profit, nonpublic, private machinist training institution located in Santa Fe Springs, California. Since 1968, NTMA Training Centers of Southern California has prepared and furthered the skills of nearly 80,000 men and women for careers in the tooling, machining, and manufacturing industry.

Here are a few frequently asked questions about NTMA:

What is a machinist and what do they do?

Machinists make the parts that are used to manufacture everyday items. From the cars we drive to the cell phones we cannot be without . . . Machinists make all things possible! Machinists work with raw materials like metal, plastics, and work; contribute to the production of millions of items including aircraft, computers, medical devices, and hand-crafted furniture. As one of the world’s oldest professions, Machinists continue to evolve by using the latest technology and helping to manufacture the most state-of-the-art products found in today’s markets.

Our state-of-the-art campus, located in Santa Fe Springs, California, includes manual and technologically advanced tools and machinery, providing our students with the perfect blend of practical theory and hands-on experience they need to learn the basics of machining. Our school community consists of highly supportive administrative staff and instructors, dedicated to quality teaching and a commitment to preparing qualified candidates for entry-level machining careers.

NTMA Training Centers graduates can expect to be interviewed from companies within but not limited to aerospace, aircraft, automotive, military and defense, tooling, machinery, medical and dental, manufacturing, metalworking, and electronics.

Our machinist training program is 7 months long and contains five 6-week modules:

  • Module 1 – Introduction to Machine Technology
  • Module 2 – Conventional Mills 1 and Lathes 1
  • Module 3 – Conventional Mills 2, Lathes 2, and Surface Grinders
  • Module 4 – CNC Mills 1 and CNC Lathes 1
  • Module 5 – CNC Mills 2, CNC Lathes 2, and Robotics

12131 Telegraph Road, Santa Fe Springs, California, 90670

Machinist training programs begin every six weeks. Please contact us to confirm our next start date.

Our classes are Monday through Friday. We offer morning classes (7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), afternoon classes (1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.), and evening classes (6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.).

Our 7-month machinist training program teaches you the basics of machining. Students learn the setup and operation of conventional machining equipment such as grinders, mills, lathes, drill presses, and saws. Instruction is also provided in safety, quality control and inspection procedures, shop theory, precision measuring instruments, mathematics, blueprint reading, and the basics of CNC operation and programming.

Yes, NTMA Training Centers of Southern California offers funding and financial aid for those students who qualify.

No, this is not a paid training program.

NTMA Training Centers cannot guarantee you a job upon graduation, but you will have every opportunity to begin working about 6 months into our training program if you take advantage of our on-campus job fairs. Every 6 weeks, select employers visit our campus to conduct job interviews and place our soon-to-be graduates within their companies. To get you prepared for these interviews, NTMA Training Centers of Southern California offers career development training, resume building, and lifetime job placement assistance.

For Over 50 Years, NTMA Has Been the Leader in High-Tech Machinist Training

  • Hands-On Training
  • Morning, Afternoon and Evening Classes
  • Career Services and Lifetime Job Placement Assistance
  • Financial Aid Available for Those Who Qualify