Marcus Rivera
Learning CNC machining through real work. Supervised operator — earning clearances one part at a time.
2
Projects
3
Machines
120
Hours
1
Programs
Built in the Shop
Real projects. Real contributions. Not a simulation.
CNC Bracket Run — Irrigation Startup
Ran 30 aluminum brackets for a local irrigation startup under mentor supervision. First real production job.
What I did
Loaded stock, ran the program, measured every part with calipers, and logged dimensions on the inspection sheet. Caught one out-of-tolerance part before it shipped.
Process
Training Jig Plate Run
MIC-6 jig plates fabricated for internal shop use as part of the apprenticeship program curriculum.
What I did
Ran stock prep and deburring. Observed full CNC cycle. Practiced surface measurement on finished plates.
Process
Capability + Access
Machines
Processes
Software
Program Affiliation
Industry Background
Relevant experience that informs what this builder can do now.
Central Valley Community College
Machine Shop Student
2021–2022
Took introductory machining coursework. Learned basic lathe and mill operation in an academic setting.
Personal Shop / Independent Projects
Self-directed fabrication
2022–2023
Built custom fixtures and small metal fabrication projects in a personal shop. Developed habits around measurement and documentation.
Growth Timeline
Oct 2024
Joined the Apprenticeship Program
Started at zero machining clearances. Completed shop orientation and safety.
Nov 2024
First Machine Use
First supervised hours on the manual mill. Learned vise setup and indicating.
Jan 2025
First Supervised CNC Part
Ran the first part on the Haas under direct supervision. Measured every dimension.
Feb 2025
First Real Job
Contributed to the irrigation bracket run — first revenue-generating part touched.
2025
Current — Training
Working toward independent Haas clearance and first unsupervised job.
Active Work
Current Projects
- Supervised CNC hours toward Haas VF3 clearance
- Manual mill practice — vise setup and indicating
- Learning Fusion 360 CAD modeling
Currently Learning
- G-code fundamentals
- Workholding and setup
- Measurement and inspection basics
Looking For
- More supervised shop time on the Haas
- Opportunities to contribute to real jobs under mentor guidance
- Feedback on my setup documentation
Support this builder
Help fund apprenticeship training and give this builder more shop time.