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.
Workers may advance in several ways. Job Outlook 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. Many job openings will arise each year from the need to replace experienced machinists and programmers who transfer to other occupations or retire. The number of openings for machinists is expected to be far greater than the number of openings for tool programmers, primarily because the occupation is larger.