Trainees start writing simple programs under the direction of an experienced programmer . Although machinery manufacturers are trying to standardize programming languages, there are numerous languages in use. Because of this, tool programmers should be able to learn new programming languages. As new automation is introduced, machinists and tool programmers generally receive additional training to update their skills. This training is usually provided by a representative of the equipment manufacturer or a local technical school.
Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for job-related courses.
Most machinists worked in small machining shops or in manufacturing firms that produce durable goods, such as metalworking and industrial machinery, aircraft or motor vehicles . Maintenance machinists work in most industries that use production machinery. Although machinists and tool programmers work in all parts of the country, jobs are most plentiful in areas where manufacturing is concentrated. Employment of machinists and tool programmers is expected to decline slightly through the year 2006. Despite this decline, job opportunities will be good for machinists, as employers continue to report difficulties in finding workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to fill machining and tool programming openings.