Careers
A career you can build, in an industry that needs you
Roughly 480 machinist openings are projected each year across the Kansas City region, and far fewer people are completing formal machining training than employers need.
Why Workforce Development Matters
Kansas City’s precision manufacturing industry is growing, and the need for skilled machinists is growing with it. Roughly 480 machinist openings are projected each year across the Kansas City region, creating significant opportunities for people to build rewarding careers in a high-skill, high-value industry.
At the same time, far fewer people are completing formal machining training than the number of machinists employers need each year.
That is why workforce development matters.
KC NTMA works with manufacturers, educators, workforce organizations, and community partners to expand career pathways, strengthen training opportunities, and connect more people with careers in precision manufacturing.
Manufacturing Careers Are Worth It
Manufacturing offers high-value careers, strong earning potential, and opportunities to build skills that are in demand.
| Value | Measure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 4,400+ | Direct jobs supported by KC NTMA manufacturing members | PDKC 2026 |
| 6,800 | Total jobs supported across the Kansas City economy | PDKC 2026 |
| $72K | Average annual salary, fabricated metal manufacturing | PDKC 2026 |
| 480 | Projected machinist openings annually, Kansas City region | PDKC 2026 |
A career in precision manufacturing offers hands-on work, technical skills, opportunities for advancement, and pathways to earn while you learn. Whether you are starting your career or looking for a new one, manufacturing offers a future worth building.
Apprenticeship
KC NTMA Precision Machinist Apprenticeship
The KC NTMA Precision Machinist Apprenticeship is a three-year, U.S. Department of Labor approved program that combines time and competency based training with hands-on experience. The program blends traditional, in-person apprenticeship training with online learning, allowing apprentices to complete virtual coursework while gaining practical experience on-site under the supervision of an experienced journeyworker.
Apprentices develop the technical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and components from metal. Training covers essential areas such as shop safety, blueprint reading, basic and applied mathematics, precision machining technology, CNC machining, metallurgy, and quality control.
The program provides a structured pathway for individuals to earn while they learn, develop industry-recognized skills, and prepare for a rewarding career in precision manufacturing.
Pre-apprenticeship
Starting in high school
You do not have to wait until graduation. The chapter works with Advanced Manufacturing programs in area high schools to open a door into the industry before students leave school: a first look at the trade from inside a working shop, and a direct path into the three-year apprenticeship afterward.
In September 2026 KC NTMA launched an explorative internship program with the Advanced Manufacturing students at Grandview High School, and members regularly run mock interviews and classroom sessions across the region.
If you are a student, a parent, or a teacher with a program that should be part of this, use the form below and say so.
Enquire
Ask about the apprenticeship
Tell us a little about yourself and the chapter will get back to you about the next apprenticeship intake, or about pre-apprenticeship if you are still in school.
Explore your options
Adult Training Partners
Training providers and workforce programs across Kansas and Missouri that can get you started.
NTMA-U
The national online training program, open to apprentices, working machinists and anyone entering the trade.
NTMA Scholarship
Support for students pursuing precision manufacturing training.
Career Map
Where a career in precision manufacturing can take you, and the terms you will hear along the way.
She Leads. Women Driving Manufacturing
She Leads. Women Driving Manufacturing began as an initiative of the Kansas City Chapter of the National Tooling & Machining Association, created to provide a dedicated community for women working in and around manufacturing. As the initiative grew, so did its reach and mission, ultimately becoming its own independent nonprofit organization.
Today, She Leads. is a professional community focused on empowering, connecting, and elevating women in manufacturing through education, networking, leadership development, and meaningful professional connections. Its programming creates space for women at all stages of their careers to share experiences, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and support one another.
KC NTMA is proud to have been the starting point for She Leads. and to see the organization grow into an independent nonprofit with a mission and community of its own.
