The eligibility criteria for the Turner Trade typically include the following requirements:
1. Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have completed 10th grade (Secondary School Certificate or equivalent) from a recognized board of education.
- Some institutions may also accept 12th-grade pass students, particularly those who have studied Science (with a focus on Mathematics and Physics).
- It is helpful if the candidate has a basic understanding of mathematics and mechanical principles.
2. Age Requirement:
- The minimum age for enrolling in a Turner trade course is usually 16 years. The maximum age limit can vary by institution, but generally, there is no strict upper age limit.
3. Physical Fitness:
- Although the trade involves working with machines, candidates must have a reasonable level of physical fitness to handle the manual work and long hours in industrial settings.
- Good eyesight and hand-eye coordination are essential for precise operations.
4. Technical Aptitude:
- Basic knowledge of tools and machines is an advantage, although practical training will be provided.
- A keen interest in mechanical engineering and a passion for working with machines and tools are essential for success in the trade.
5. Safety Awareness:
- As the Turner trade involves working with heavy machinery and tools, candidates must be aware of safety protocols and standards to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment.
The Turner Trade has significant future scope due to the increasing demand for skilled machine operators in various manufacturing sectors. The rapid growth of industries such as automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding, heavy engineering, and machine tool manufacturing ensures a steady need for skilled turners. Some of the prominent career opportunities and growth areas include:
1. High Demand in Manufacturing and Engineering:
- Turners play a vital role in the manufacturing sector, where precision machinery is required for creating components for vehicles, aircraft, industrial equipment, and other machines.
- With the rise of automation and advanced machinery, skilled turners are required to operate both traditional machines and CNC machines, which are in high demand across various industries.
2. Opportunities in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Operations:
- As the manufacturing industry embraces CNC machines for increased precision, turners with CNC programming and operation skills are highly sought after.
- CNC machinists are responsible for programming and operating automated machinery, which is essential in producing parts for industries like aerospace, automotive, and defense.
3. Growth in the Automotive and Aerospace Industries:
- The automotive and aerospace industries are among the largest employers of turners. Components like gears, shafts, and engine parts require turning operations, and these sectors are projected to grow, leading to more job opportunities.
- As the automotive industry moves toward electric vehicles (EVs), the need for precision machining to manufacture EV parts and components will also increase.
4. Opportunities in Precision Engineering:
- With the demand for precision engineering growing in sectors such as medical devices, robotics, and industrial automation, turners will continue to be essential in producing high-quality parts and components.
5. Entrepreneurial Opportunities:
- With experience and training, turners can open their own machine shops or provide contract manufacturing services. These services can cater to various sectors, such as tool making, prototyping, and custom part manufacturing.
- Freelancing and consulting in specialized areas such as CNC programming and machine design are also potential avenues for experienced professionals.
6. Job Opportunities in Public Sector and Government:
- Public sector undertakings (PSUs), such as BHEL, ISRO, and DRDO, regularly require skilled turners to work in manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance roles in various engineering and defense projects.
- Turners can also find employment in railways and heavy industries, where there is a constant need for machine maintenance and production.
7. International Opportunities:
- Skilled turners can also find opportunities in foreign countries, especially those with advanced manufacturing hubs like the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Industries such as automotive, energy, and defense are particularly in need of skilled turners worldwide.
The Turner Trade is designed to provide hands-on practical training combined with theoretical knowledge. The course content typically includes the following modules:
1. Introduction to Turning and Machining:
- Basics of turning operations, machine tools, and cutting tools.
- Different types of lathes: horizontal, vertical, CNC, and special-purpose lathes.
- Safety protocols and maintenance of machines.
2. Machine Tools and Their Operations:
- Introduction to common machine tools like lathe machines, shapers, and drill presses.
- Detailed operation of lathes, including cutting, shaping, and finishing metal components.
- Understanding different types of cutting tools and their applications.
3. Basic Mathematics for Turning:
- Calculations related to machining, including feeds, speeds, cutting depth, and tolerances.
- Geometric principles for understanding and applying measurement and fitment.
4. Types of Cutting Tools and Materials:
- Learning about the different types of cutting tools such as high-speed steel (HSS) tools, carbide tools, and diamond-tipped tools.
- Selection of materials and tools for various types of machining jobs.
5. Lathe Operations:
- Turning: Understanding how to cut material on a lathe to shape cylindrical parts.
- Facing: Creating flat surfaces on the ends of workpieces.
- Boring: Enlarging holes in a workpiece.
- Threading: Cutting threads inside or outside the workpiece.
- Drilling: Creating holes using a rotating cutting tool.
- Taper turning: Producing conical shapes.
6. CNC Lathe Programming:
- Introduction to CNC machines and their operation.
- CNC programming basics, including G-codes, M-codes, and coordinate systems.
- Understanding and creating CNC programs for lathe operations.
7. Measurement and Inspection:
- Using micrometers, calipers, and other precision tools for measuring parts.
- Understanding tolerances and the significance of precise measurements in machining.
8. Advanced Turning Techniques:
- Multi-axis turning and complex part manufacturing.
- CNC lathe operations for producing intricate and high-precision parts.
9. Maintenance of Machines:
- Regular maintenance practices for ensuring the longevity and accuracy of lathe machines.
- Identifying faults in machines and performing minor repairs and adjustments.
10. Blueprint Reading and Technical Drawing:
- Understanding technical drawings, blueprints, and CAD models.
- Interpreting symbols, dimensions, and tolerances as per engineering standards.
