Prepare for a rewarding career in manufacturing with Oakton College's Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Certificate. This program is your pathway to exciting opportunities in Chicago’s ‘manufacturing hub.’ Whether you're just starting or looking to upskill, this certificate equips you with the tools you need to succeed as a CNC operator or machinist.
In one semester, you can complete this 14-credit certificate and gain hands-on experience with industry-standard CNC machines, following the pathway. In our state-of-the-art manufacturing lab, you’ll train on actual CNC equipment, learning to operate, troubleshoot, and program with confidence. You’ll gain knowledge employers value, such as technical print reading, machine setup and inspection.
Oakton student resources like the Apprenticeship Program and the Career and Transfer Center can connect you to a vast network of manufacturing industry partners. You’ll be ready to enter the workforce or continue your learning with the Advanced CNC Certificate.
At Oakton, we're committed to your success. Our supportive faculty and staff are here to guide you every step of the way.
Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.
99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.
To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.
We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.
Learn more about your options for paying for your education
Oakton's Manufacturing Technology faculty is experienced in the classroom and in the manufacturing field. The Manufacturing Technology program curriculum is overseen by an expert advisory committee composed of industry veterans, innovators and educators.
Boguslaw Zapal
Professor and Chair
CAD/Mechanical Design and Manufacturing
A.A.S. Oakton College
B.S. University of Rzeszow, Poland
M.S. University of Rzeszow, Poland
bzapal@oakton.edu
847.376.7707
Office: P135, Skokie
Pawel Baran
Professor and Coordinator
Mechanical Design and Manufacturing/Mechatronics
B.S. University of Chicago, IL
pbaran@oakton.edu
847.376.7612
Office: P131, Skokie
Ken Albert
Teacher – Industrial Arts
Niles North High School
Josh Altergot
Adjunct; College of Lake County
Technical Support
Computer Aided Tech Inc. - SolidWorks
Denny Bahl
Engineering Manager
SolidWorks Users Group – Des Plaines
President
Innovative Plastech, Inc.
Keith Cahill
Director of Operations
ITW Signode Service Business
Michael Cotton
Marketing Manager
Keiko Mimuro
Marketing Specialist
OSG Tap & Die Inc.
Jackson Harlan
Architect
Steven J. Huy, President
Ultra-Metric Tool Co.
Greg Korack
Unit Leader
Avon Products, Inc.
Olya Koteva
Manufacturing Engineer
John Crane Inc.
Jacques Krikorian
Associate Professor-MFG
Harper College
Richard Leopold
RIGHTech Fabrications
John Manfredy
Interior Design Faculty
Illinois Institute of Art
Animated Division
Hank Ofenlock
Anthony Stulpinas
Ken Johnson
Tempel Steel
Chris Sikora
Associate Professor – Computer Aided Design
Cody Starr
Advanced Process Engineer
Richard Stein
GIS Project Management
Gregory Turnowski
Engineer - Woodward
Erik Voight, PMP
MGP, Inc.
Ron Worth
Principle Flashcut CNC
Kristen Hanes Zelazo
Director of Human Resources
Oakton Alum
