Approximately 150 students go through the school in a year, with 11 to 13 in each class. Eighty percent of the school is hands-on training as opposed to 20 percent classroom. MRs start out with basic hand tools in phase one. They learn how to grind tool bits and drill bits. Phase two covers lathe operations and familiarity with technical terms.
Students learn how to use precision and non-precision instruments.
They work with aluminum, and have their first opportunity to work with carbon steel and to actually operate machinery. Intermediate lathe operation is taught in phase three. Students learn about different valves and internal threading, and start manufacturing parts from scratch. In this phase they manufacture everything out of carbon steel. MRs learn how to repair damaged shafts.