Machinist

Machinists are the highly precise and tactile tradespeople who transform raw materials into precision parts that, when carefully combined with other components, power the machines that make nearly everything around us. 

As a Machinist, you’ll work on a machine shop or manufacturing plant floor with tools like drill presses, lathes, and grinders. You’ll learn how to interpret blueprints and perform precise machining operations.  

This role will require collaboration and math skills, as well as attention to detail as the components you create will be essential to the safe operation of a range of machines.

What You'll Learn

  • How to interpret blueprints and specifications 
  • How to program and operate a wide range of tools and equipment 
  • How to make parts or products 
  • How to inspect machine parts and tools for safety and quality  
  • How to adhere to safety standards 

Key Job Skills

  • Applied mathematics 
  • Hazardous materials handling  
  • Blueprint and drawing use  
  • Use of drilling machines, power saws, laths and milling machines 
  • Planning and fabricating 

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

Technical Training 29 weeks over 4 years
Work-Based Training
6330 HOURS
General Skills
Athletic Collaborative Mathematical Precise Tactile

Program Updates

 

Harmonization Progress

  • Level 1: Harmonized*, April 1 2020

  • Level 2: Harmonized*, April 1 2020

  • Level 3: Harmonized*, April 1 2021

  • Level 4: Harmonized*, September 1 2021

*Harmonized = Program stream with re-aligned content beginning in April 2020

If you are unclear as to what program you are registered in, or unclear as to which program you should be following, please contact us.

Harmonized Program Information and Resources

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Machinists turn blocks of metal into complex, intricate parts for other products. They fit and assemble metal parts and sub-assemblies, ensuring the parts in these products meet exacting standards in size, strength and hardness. They also set up and operate all machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, saws, grinding machines, drilling and boring machines, shapers, planers, precision measuring tools, hand and power tools, and the related attachments and accessories including C.N.C. machining, selection, use and maintenance of cutting tools. 

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Exam Information and Resources

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Challenge the Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please contact customer service for more information.