Located in Santa Fe Springs, CA, NTMA Training Centers is a learning institution affiliated with the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association. The school’s courses teach students how to set up and operate equipment such as mills, grinders, lathes, and saws. They also study safety protocols, mathematics, blueprint reading, and more.
Instructors deliver lessons through a unique blend of classroom, shop, and computer lab settings to ensure learners get hands-on experience. Additionally, those already working in machining and tooling can take classes to update skills and remain competitive in the job market.
Programs & Courses
Construction and Architecture
- Machinist
Campus Locations
NTMA Santa Fe Springs Campus 12131 Telegraph Rd Santa Fe Springs, California 90670
Financial Aid Services
NTMA participates in federal loan and grant programs that can help provide educational funding. Their website contains a net price calculator to help students estimate their costs. Attendees can also use private loans or make interest-free monthly payments to the school while they study.
Student Services
Listings are available of resources that may be necessary during training. NTMA Training Centers supplies learners with a reference book. This includes information about local housing, transportation, and childcare. They also offer academic advising to ensure student success. Tutoring services are available to those who need more help with their studies.
Career Services
The Career Services department at NTMA Training Centers provides guidance about resume writing and interview techniques. The school also hosts job fairs on campus and begins the search process by reaching out to potential employers and scheduling interviews. Lifetime placement services are available to current students as well as alumni.
Veteran and Military Services
NTMA is a VA approved training center dedicated to supporting military members as they transition to careers in civilian life. The school helps active-duty service people, their families, and veterans access their education benefits. Applicants can get more information through the Veteran’s Administration or by contacting NTMA’s Veteran Services office.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the NTMA Machinist Career College presents a deeply polarized and problematic reputation. While a few long-term graduates affirm the value of the education, the majority of detailed and recent feedback centers on serious complaints regarding high cost, poor job placement follow-through, and poor instructor conduct.
Overall Score: 3.7/5 Stars
Common Praises
High-Quality Education and Longevity: Alumni from many years ago (including one from 16 years ago) praised the “level of education” they received and credit the school for their successful careers. An individual in the apprenticeship program was “impressed with the knowledge the instructors have” and how easily they convey complex information.
Positive Attitude and Personal Accountability: A few graduates defended the school, arguing that complaints about job placement are the students’ own fault. These reviews emphasize that success requires personal initiative and that the training provides the necessary knowledge for those willing to go out and get a job.
Historical Reputation and Mission: The school owner’s responses consistently highlight the institution’s history since 1968, its non-profit status, and its mission to supply well-trained, entry-level machinists to the industry.
Common Criticisms
High Cost and Debt for Low Job Starting Wages: This is the most prevalent and severe complaint. Reviewers call the program a “scam” and “not an investment,” citing the high cost (around $14,500) leading to significant student loan debt, with graduates only finding entry-level jobs paying $14-$15 an hour. Students explicitly question the value proposition compared to a four-year engineering degree.
Misleading Job Placement Promises: Numerous reviewers claim they were “manipulated” into joining with a “fake promise” of job placement assistance. Graduates report being left “screwed with debt” and receiving no follow-up email or call after graduating.
Poor Instructor Conduct and Training Issues: Specific reviews detail instances of inappropriate instructor behavior, including one who would “always talk down on students” and tell them they shouldn’t be machinists. Another review alleged that a teacher threatened the entire class. Furthermore, one student complained that there were “not enough machines for all students,” limiting hands-on practice in larger classes.
Administrative and Certification Delays: One graduate reported waiting three months for their certificate of completion after being told it was mailed out, forcing them to request a duplicate. While the school owner responded and offered a free replacement, the initial delay was a source of frustration.
Momentum
The momentum is largely negative. The most detailed and recent reviews (within the last 4 years) focus on significant issues: high debt, low wages, misleading job promises, and poor instructor behavior. The most positive reviews are either very old or are defensive comments from graduates who found success a decade or more ago. The school owner is actively responding to detailed negative reviews, sometimes disputing the facts (like tuition cost comparisons) but also acknowledging and promising to address issues like poor teaching staff conduct. The volume and specificity of the financial and job placement complaints suggest a major, sustained point of contention.