Job Training Programs for People Who Love to Work With Their Hands

Not interested in starting a career behind a desk? If you enjoy working with your hands and want a career that keeps you engaged and active, we have some job training programs that might interest you. Two great career paths that offer hands-on work are CNC machining and shipping & receiving. 

Choosing a career depends on your skills, interests, and career goals. While both of these career paths involve working with materials and logistics, they differ in key ways. 

If you enjoy working with machines, precision tools, and programming, CNC machining could be a great fit. If you prefer an active, fast-paced environment, shipping & receiving might be more suitable. Let’s explore the key differences between these career paths.

CNC Machining: A Precision-Driven Career

CNC machining is a highly technical career. It requires attention to detail and expertise in machine operation. 

Machinists create precise parts used in various industries. These include aerospace, automotive, and medical technology, just to name a few. 

The best part about entering a stable, reliable workforce like this is the steady paycheck. The good news is that in Oklahoma, the average CNC Machinist earns $21.83/hour. That’s well over the federal minimum wage!

Skills and Training

To become a CNC machinist, you need specialized training. Most CNC machinists go through vocational programs or apprenticeships. (That’s where we come in.)

Courses cover machining technology, programming, and computer-aided design (CAD) software. Understanding blueprints and schematics is essential for this job.

CNC machines use pre-programmed instructions to cut, shape, and assemble parts. As a machinist, you must know how to set up and operate these machines. Programming skills are also valuable, as some roles require writing or modifying machine code.

Problem-solving is a key skill in this field. Machines don’t always run perfectly. Machinists must troubleshoot errors, adjust settings, and ensure products meet specifications.

Hands-on training is crucial. Many programs offer apprenticeships to help students gain real-world experience before entering the workforce.

Career Opportunities

CNC machinists are definitely in demand, too. Manufacturing jobs rely on their expertise to create precise parts.

Many machinists start as operators and advance to programming or supervisory roles. With experience, you can become a CNC programmer, responsible for writing machine code.

Some machinists move into quality control or manufacturing engineering. These roles focus on improving processes and ensuring high standards.

Salaries vary by experience and industry. Skilled CNC machinists can earn competitive wages, especially in specialized fields like aerospace and medical device manufacturing.

CNC machining can offer a stable and rewarding career if you enjoy working with technology, precision tools, and problem-solving.

Shipping & Receiving: The Backbone of Logistics

Shipping & receiving play a crucial role in supply chain management. It ensures goods are delivered on time and in good condition. This field is ideal for those who enjoy organization, teamwork, and a fast-paced work environment.

Interested in the average hourly pay for this job? It’s also a good one - statistics show that the national wage for shipping and receiving is around $20.54 an hour.

Skills and Training

Training programs for shipping and receiving focus on warehouse operations, inventory management, and logistics technology. Workers learn how to track shipments, manage stock, and use warehouse management systems. Many positions require forklift certification, which is why we offer this component, too. 

Communication skills are important, as well. Shipping & receiving workers coordinate with suppliers, drivers, and warehouse teams. Accurate record-keeping and problem-solving are also key.

Time management is critical. Meeting delivery deadlines ensures smooth operations. Workers must be efficient and adaptable in handling unexpected issues like shipment delays.

Career Opportunities

Jobs in shipping & receiving exist in nearly every industry. Retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and e-commerce all rely on logistics professionals.

Entry-level positions include warehouse associate, stock clerk, or shipping coordinator. With experience, workers can advance to supervisory roles.

Additional certifications can open doors to specialized careers in supply chain management or transportation coordination. Those interested in career growth can pursue logistics certifications to qualify for management positions.

Salaries vary by industry and location. While entry-level wages may be modest, experienced logistics professionals can earn competitive pay. If you enjoy working in a dynamic environment, managing shipments, and organizing inventory, a career in shipping & receiving may be a great choice.

Key Differences Between CNC Machining and Shipping & Receiving

While both CNC machining and shipping & receiving play essential roles in manufacturing jobs, they differ in several ways:

• Technical Skills: CNC machining requires advanced technical knowledge and programming skills, whereas shipping & receiving focuses more on organizational and logistical abilities.
• Work Environment: CNC machinists often work in manufacturing facilities with controlled environments, while shipping & receiving specialists work in warehouses, distribution centers, or docks.
• Career Growth: CNC machining offers opportunities to specialize and advance in engineering and manufacturing technology. Shipping & receiving roles can lead to managerial positions within supply chain operations.
• Job Stability: Both fields offer stable employment, but CNC machinists often have higher earning potential due to their specialized skills.

If you love working with your hands, job training programs like the ones we offer can open doors to fulfilling careers. Both fields we’ve outlined here offer stability, growth potential, and opportunities to work in diverse industries. By evaluating your skills and career goals, you can choose the right path and gain the training needed to succeed in your chosen field.

Choosing Between Job Training Programs

Selecting the right job training program depends on your interests and career goals. If you enjoy working with machinery and technology, a CNC machining program may be the best fit. If you prefer a dynamic environment with a focus on logistics and teamwork, a shipping & receiving program could be ideal.

At the end of the day, the ultimate decision about your career path is up to you! Our team, though, is happy to work right alongside you to ensure your future success. 

That’s why we offer more than just free job training programs for CNC machining and shipping & receiving (to name just a few!). We also work with our customers through one-on-one career coaching, interview prep, and more. That’s why we encourage you to fill out an application with us today.