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  • Navigate to course(s) below and click "Apply Now"
  • Completed application will be reviewed by LJAC
  • Once approved, you will receive a welcome email helping you get started
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All online Toolmaker Apprenticeship courses currently available for UAW-Ford Apprentices are listed below. Before registering, it’s always useful to speak with your local joint apprenticeship coordinator (LJAC) to make sure you’re taking the right number of classes, in the correct order, are meeting your apprenticeship requirements, etc.

Browse the list below to enroll in the course(s) of your choice. You may register for multiple classes at once, but you will need to complete a new registration form for each course. Once you’ve registered and your LJAC approves you for enrollment, you will receive a welcome email containing a different student ID for each class you are enrolled. You will, however, have the same username and password for all courses, and can easily jump between them in your student portal.

We’ll be adding more new courses each month so be sure to check back periodically if you don’t see a course you’re interested in listed below!

course catalog

TOOLMAKER COURSES

ALL COURSES

Shop Arithmetic (65522110)

In this course you'll review the basic math functions you'll need on a daily basis for working in an industrial setting. This course will help reinforce concepts of basic algebra, fractions, decimals, percentage, ratio and proportion, and practical measurements like area, volume, temperature, and energy. You'll also learn how to apply these concepts to real-world, trade-related problems like measurements, calculations, and conversions.

Course Details
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Lessons in this program include:

  • Addition and Subtraction
  • Multiplication and Division
  • Fractions, Percents, Proportions, and Angles
  • Metric System
  • Formulas
  • Introduction to Algebra
  • Math for the Trades

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 35

Note: Shop Arithmetic is not required if you have previously successfully completed IRCP 1.

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Intermediate Algebra (65523110)

In this course, you'll learn about basic algebraic concepts, linear equations and inequalities, relations, functions, systems of linear equations, polynomials, rational expressions and equations, and radical and complex numbers. This course will also help you apply algebraic concepts in real-world problems. By the end of this course, you'll be able to understand mathematical relationships and creatively solve problems by interpreting and representing patterns in numbers by using variables, expressions, and equations.

COURSE DETAILS
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Lessons in this program include:

  • Basic Algebraic Concepts
  • Linear Equations and Inequalities
  • Relations, Functions, and Systems of Linear Equations
  • Polynomials, Rational Expressions, and Inequations
  • Radicals and Complex Numbers

Maximum Course Duration: 12 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 45

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Basic Size and Shape Interpretation (65518110)

A drafter uses a graphical language of pictures to convey information. This graphical language can be understood by people throughout the world and is therefore aptly called a ""world language"". In this course, you'll learn about this world language of drafting, how to draw different views of an object, the relationship between different views, and how you can use the drafter’s world language to accurately convey your ideas to others. This course will also provide an overview of the visual communication skills necessary for reading and interpreting technical drawings. By the end of this course, you'll have a firm grasp of print reading, symbol and abbreviation interpretation, dimensioning, and tolerancing. Finally, you'll gain an idea of computer-aided drawing and its role in modern technology. You'll learn about basic AutoCAD software functions, layers, colors, line types, and how to draw lines and circles.

Course Details
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Lessons in this program include:

  • Computer-Aided Design Basics
  • Lines, Essential Tools, and Drawing Circles
  • Drawing Aids, Layers, Colors, and Linetypes
  • Templates, Copies, Arrays, Arcs, and Polar Arrays
  • Mirror Images, Page Setups, and Object Snap

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 36

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Geometric Principles (65524110)

In this course, you'll expand your knowledge of basic math skills and applied and analytical geometry. By the end of this course, you'll have a good grasp on the concepts of conic sections, functions, coordinate systems, equation of a straight line, slope, intercept, and inclination angles, relation between lines, and mensuration. You’ll learn how analytical geometry is used to solve geometric problems by calculation, or analysis. You'll also learn how to use calculator operations to help you in your work.

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Lessons in this program include:

  • Applied Geometry
  • Analytical Geometry, Part 1
  • Analytical Geometry, Part 2

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Prerequisites: Shop Arithmetic

Total Contact Hours: 25

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Trigonometric Principles (65525110)

This course provides an overview of various important precalculus and practical trigonometry concepts. You'll learn about exponents, logarithms, sequences, series, trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, conic sections, analytic geometry, polar coordinates, and limits.

COURSE DETAILS
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Lessons in this program include:

  • Exponents, Logarithms, Sequences, and Series
  • Trigonometric Functions
  • Analytical Trigonometry
  • Systems of Equations and Inequalities
  • Conic Sections and Analytic Geometry
  • Introduction to Calculus
  • Practical Trigonometry

Maximum Course Duration: 12 weeks

Prerequisites: Intermediate Algebra

Total Contact Hours: 60

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Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (65529110)

In this course, you'll learn about print reading and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. By the end of this course, you'll be able to identify and understand the various symbols, components, drawing conventions, notes, and specifications used in prints. You'll also learn about the fundamental concepts used in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). The last few lessons of this course will familiarize you with identifying datum features, symbols, the terminology used in the manufacturing industry, the various types of orientation tolerances, geometric form tolerances, and runout geometric controls. Finally, you'll learn about concepts like concentricity, symmetry, and the simple and composite forms of locational tolerances as they relate to true position.

COURSE DETAILS
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Lessons in this program include:

  • Reading Shop Prints, Part 1
  • Reading Shop Prints, Part 2
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Part 1
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Part 2
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Part 3
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Part 4

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 40

Prerequisites: Basic Size and Shape Interpretation

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Assembly Detailing (65519110)

In this course, you’ll learn the standard rules and practices used to generate detailed parts drawings and assemblies, and how to apply AutoCAD software to the actual execution of the drawing process. The best way to become proficient at technical drawing is to develop these skills through constant practice. To meet the course requirements, you’ll be preparing multiple drawings and submitting them for grading. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to visualize objects in the views that are required for orthographic projections. Finally, you’ll also learn the rules for correct dimensioning and tolerancing, and where to locate dimensional information for standard machine elements.

Course Details
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Lessons in this program include:

  • Basics of AutoCAD and Orthographic Projections
  • Dimensions and Sectioning
  • Advanced Techniques, Tolerancing, and Threads
  • Assembly and Pictorial Drawings

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 37

Prerequisite: Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
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Metallurgy Fundamentals (65533110)

In this course, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of metals— what defines a metal and what its characteristics are. You’ll learn about the two broad classifications—ferrous metals and nonferrous metals. You’ll study the different processes of ironmaking and steelmaking required to meet the specific needs of varied industrial demands. The major use of nonferrous metals such as aluminum, lead, tin, zinc, nickel, and magnesium, as you’ll find out, is through their alloys. The properties of the alloy change significantly with variations in alloying components. Finally, you’ll learn how these metals are extracted from their ores, refined, and processed into different alloys, including the different methods of identifying metals.

Course Details
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Lessons in this program include:

  • Ferrous Metals
  • Nonferrous Metals
  • Identification of Metals

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 15

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Introduction to CNC (65527110)

In this course, you'll learn about the basic history and purpose of CNC machines, common CNC machines, their operation, their advantage over manually-controlled machinery, and how to operate them safely. CNC turning and milling operations will also be discussed in-depth in this course. Through this course, you'll learn about technicians like the design engineer, the programmer, and the machine operator, who are responsible for the operation and functioning of these machines. You'll also be able to understand how numbers in geometric equations and computer programs are used to guide these CNC machines to produce exact results. When you complete the course, you'll have a working knowledge of basic word address programming, CAD/CAM, and machining and turning centers. You'll be able to explain the applications of EDM, laser, oxyfuel, plasma, waterjet, wood, stone, and plastics cutting technologies. You'll end the course with lessons on conversational programming and statistical process control."

COURSE DETAILS
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Lessons in this program include:

  • CNC Machine Tool Features and Advantages
  • Introduction to Computer Numerical Control
  • Word Address Programming and CAD/CAM
  • Programming and Operating Machining Centers
  • CNC Milling Application
  • Programming and Operating Turning Centers
  • CNC Turning
  • Conversational Programming
  • Alternate Machining Technologies

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Prerequisites: Machine Tool Processes

Total Contact Hours: 39

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Machine Tool Processes (65503110)

In this course, you’ll learn about the fundamental methods and principles related to machining and cutting metal, milling machine cutting tools, the basic principles of grinding and the other uses of abrasives in machine shop work, and basic concepts and operation of milling machines. You’ll gain an understanding of the work practices necessary to safely operate a range of industrial machinery. The principles and practices you learn here can be incorporated into your daily routine and will help keep you safe from injury.

COURSE DETAILS
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Lessons in this program include:

  • Fundamentals of Metal Cutting
  • Machine Safety
  • Fundamentals of Grinding
  • Milling Machine Cutting Tools
  • Milling Machine Practice and Operation

Maximum Course Duration: 12 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 49

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Tool Design, Part 1 (65521110)

There are many different type of devices used in manufacturing processes, including cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gages, and more. Tool design involves the definition of a need for a tool, analysis of that need, collection of data for the design, preliminary design, final design, toolmaking, application, and testing. A tool designer needs to have working knowledge of mathematics, engineering drawing, manufacturing processes, machine tools, and properties of engineering materials. In this course, you'll learn the designs, machines, processes, and components involved in building various tools like jigs, fixtures, and workholding devices.

COURSE DETAILS
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Lessons in this program include:

  • Tool Design
  • Workholding Principles
  • Jig Design
  • Jig and Fixture Making, Part 3

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 40

Prerequisites: Assembly Detailing, Trigonometric Principles

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Tool Design, Part 2 (65530110)

This course will build on the lessons from Tool Design, Part 1, and focus on even more advanced skills and competencies. You'll learn about the design of pressworking, inspecting, and gaging tools, as well as how to bend, form, draw, and forge dies. You must first complete Tool Design, Part 1 in order to enroll in this course.

Course Details
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Lessons in this program include:

  • Design of Pressworking Tools
  • Bending, Forming, Drawing, and Forging Dies
  • Design of Tools for Inspecting and Gaging
  • Tool Design for the Joining Processes

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Prerequisites: Tool Design, Part 1

Total Contact Hours: 40

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