This occupation should grow as fast as the average for other occupations in Indiana. National Outlook Nationally, employment of numerical control tool programmers is expected to grow more slowly than average through 2008. Automation will slow the rate of growth. New technology allows some programming and minor adjustments to be made by workers other than tool programmers. New software will slow growth as well.
Some software can automatically translate part and product designs into machine tool instructions.
As long as the economy remains strong, the demand for goods will remain high, and tool programmers will be busy. This occupation is very small, however, there will be job openings each year. Current tool programmers will either retire or transfer to other occupations, thereby creating job openings. Preparation Training for tool programmers varies depending on the industry and the complexity of the job. Basic requirements are similar to those for machinists.