196: The Skills CNC Machinists Need that You WON'T Learn in Trade School!

What does it really take to excel as a CNC machinist? A hunger to learn, a touch of aggressive self-advocacy, and a knack for problem-solving are the major take-home messages in this episode.

We speak to Christopher Zappettini, Nushrat Ahmed, and Danny Hill Jr., three CNC machinists who all took different paths into the field, skipping the traditional trade school route. They explore the top skills needed in the industry, how to be a great frontline leader, and their top tips that you won’t get from a trade school.

Chris explains what he thinks is sometimes missing from the trade school route, why problem-solving was the number one skill he took from his engineering background, and why you need to be an “aggressive self-advocate.”

Nushrat takes us through her transition from automotive engineering to becoming a CNC Swiss operator and shares one underrated skill you need to work in CNC machining. Like Chris, she believes it’s so important to advocate for yourself and learn to market your own skills.

Danny talks about the value of determination and continuous upskilling, pointing out the underrated importance of manual machine skills today, and taking charge of your own skill development.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the manufacturing industry and CNC machining looking to advance their career and become a top CNC machinist.

In this episode, find out:

• Why having an inspiring teacher was key to Chris’ education at ASU
• What Chris learned from his engineering program and early jobs about CNC machining
• Two reasons why people coming out of trade schools don’t hit the ground running – the importance of a good teacher and realizing that you get out what you put in
• Why engineering is about problem-solving at its core
• Why you need to be an “aggressive self-advocate” and take responsibility for your own learning and development through your career
• What does a great frontline leader look like?
• Why solving problems while parts are running is the ideal approach
• Chris’ advice on communication and why overcommunicating is almost never a bad thing
• What Chris believes is the most underrated skill to make it as a CNC machinist
• Why Nush became a CNC machinist after pivoting from an automotive career path
• What Nush believes it means to be a great frontline leader and why you should advocate for and market yourself
• Cleanliness as an underrated skill to be a CNC machinist
• The top characteristics of a frontline leader, according to Danny
• When Danny realized continuous learning was essential for his career
• Danny’s picks for the top practical and underrated skills in CNC machinery

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Tweetable Quotes:

• “The most ideal situation is to get parts running and while they're running, solve the problems while it's still in the shop. You start solving the problems while the parts are being produced.” - Christopher Zappettini
• “You don't need to know numbers. Your handwriting doesn't have to be nice. You don't have to be good at reading. But you need to be neat. There are so many moving parts, you're going to be grabbing so many things, you're going to be moving so much, it'll make your life easier if everything has its place.” - Nushrat Ahmed
• “I want to learn all of it. Let me master this one thing, then I'm going to the next, and the next, and the next. The more and more I make myself more marketable. In this trade, there's nowhere else to go but up. I want to just learn the new and latest technology to come." - Danny Hill Jr.

Links & mentions:

• Zappettini Consulting, consultancy offering comprehensive solutions to optimize CNC operations
• Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., a down-to-earth brewpub with a variety of craft beers and imaginative American fare, including a peanut butter and jalapeño jelly burger
• Summit Coffee, coffee brand in North Carolina that sells unique seasonal drinks including tiramisu lattes
• Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company, a small coffee roaster based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.