How much hands-on manufacturing experience do mechanical-engineering students get?

In general, mechanical-engineering programs include some hands-on work, not only lectures. Through drafting and design, measurement, materials or manufacturing laboratories, and practical classes, students may machine, assemble, or test real parts; some classes use equipment such as lathes or milling machines. However, the amount varies by program. Some students do more prototyping through graduation research or electives, while others focus more on design and analysis.