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Machining and Mechatronics in Virginia
These pages summarize rules to help you plan. They are not legal advice. Before you place students at a work site or change a program, check with your state agency, your district's counsel and your insurance carrier.
In short
Virginia students take Precision Machining and Mechatronics courses and earn NIMS or SACA credentials; job-site machine work at 16-17 needs a DOLI work-training agreement or registered apprenticeship.
State program: Precision Machining Technology I 8539 and II 8540; Mechatronics I 8554; CIP not published by VDOE
What a high school can deliver
NIMS machining credentials, SACA C-101 and other listed credentials, plus a registered apprenticeship start at 16; no state license exists.
Credentials students can earn
PMT I-II: NIMS Machining Level 1, Precision Machining Assessment, Dimensional Measurements/Quality Inspector, MSSC; Mechatronics I: SACA, Festo NC3, Siemens SMSCP, RECF Robotics, NOCTI Mechatronics Level 1 (Board-approved list status: Confirm with the agency)
Age and hour requirements
No license or credential age gate found. Registered apprentice at 16 with parent signature (Va. Code 2.2-2050). Va. Code 40.1-100(A) bars under-18 work with dangerous machinery unless a work-training agreement or apprenticeship applies.
Other agencies involved
None. No state license; federal hazardous-work rules govern.
Who can teach it
Trade and Industrial endorsement (license or industry certification plus 2 years in last 5) via Technical Professional License or the three-year CTE license; every initial CTE licensee needs an industry credential. No machining-specific requirement found.
Child labor rules for work placements
No permit or hour limits at 16-17. Va. Code 40.1-100(A) and 16VAC15-30 bar dangerous machinery under 18; a work-training agreement signed by employer and school coordinator, copy to DOLI, is the student-learner route. Federal HO 7 hoisting stays barred.
College credit after high school
No statewide agreement; VCCS agreements are regional or by college; registered apprenticeship from 16 through Virginia Works.
Where to go next
- The full Machining and Mechatronics guide, showing Virginia
- The Virginia state profile
- Add this pathway to your plan
Machining and Mechatronics in other states
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