The Machining 10, 20, 30 Curriculum Guide offers three courses of 100 hours each of module development. The introductory course outlined at the 10 level incorporates a number of core modules that provide the foundation for the suggested themes at the 20 and 30 levels. There is a graduated level of tool and equipment development throughout the courses, with most of the hand tools being used at the 10 level and power tools being introduced at the 20 and 30 levels.

It is important to remember that when a student has successfully completed a module, credit cannot be given for that module again. The suggested configurations of courses will help create flexibility and meet the needs of the student or community. Many of the machining course modules have been identified as intermediate level. These modules may be used at all grade levels to facilitate greater flexibility. Teachers are encouraged to pursue the variety of options through community partnerships that will enable the use of speakers, mentorships, and business sites for work study.

The Machining Curriculum is intended to be flexible to allow for the different variations in facilities, materials, equipment, and the time available to teach machining. The introductory level modules are developed for students who have no previous metal working experience. The intermediate and advance modules build on competencies developed at the introductory level.