Manufacturing machinists

The Prototype Fabrication (PF) division’s machining apprenticeship program provides a pipeline of skilled machinists with the unique knowledge and experience that Los Alamos National Laboratory’s mission requires. The two-year program takes students through a series of competency-based training modules and then rotations through different Laboratory shop settings. The program is based on the performance objectives and qualification criteria developed by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. 

“Entering the program is competitive,” says PF Division Leader Ray Guffee. Only 15 to 20 apprentices are accepted every 2 years. Before applying, the applicants must complete an associate degree or certificate in machining from an accredited community college machining program.

“I know I will have complete confidence in my skills when I finish the program,” says Taylor Sills, an apprenticeship student. Sills graduated from Central New Mexico Community College before coming to Los Alamos.

Emma Womack joined the apprenticeship program in 2022 after earning an associate degree in welding and a machining certificate at Amarillo College in Texas. “I’ve learned so much here and I’m still learning,” she says. "Everyone has been extremely supportive and positive.” 

Travis Johnson is another Amarillo College graduate who joined the apprenticeship program. “I can’t say enough good things about our instructors at the Lab,” Johnson says. “It’s exciting that we get to rotate through the different shop settings and gain multiple perspectives.” 

The program instructors say a student’s success depends on the desire to learn. “Skills can be taught, but motivation is ingrained,” says machinist John Lamar, who leads the program.  “It helps if prospective students can visualize parts in three dimensions and can retain information. Knowledge of trigonometry and other math skills are also important, but ultimately self-motivation is key.”

Students who complete the program become “journeyperson” (formerly “journeyman”) machinists, which is an industry-recognized title. Although not everyone who successfully completes the program is offered a permanent position at Los Alamos, Lamar says the Lab’s need for qualified machinists means the likelihood of being hired is good.

“I’m excited about my future in machining,” Johnson says. “I love working with prototype machining. The work is interesting, and customers bring in something different every day.”  ★