Machinist

Machinists turn blocks of metal into complex, intricate metal parts for other products. They also fit and assemble metal parts and sub-assemblies, ensuring the parts in these products meet exacting standards in size, strength and hardness. Machinists set up and operate both conventional and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines such as cutting tools, lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, drilling and boring machines, shapers, planers, precision measuring tools, hand and power tools, and related attachments and accessories. Machinists often work in manufacturing plants or machine shops and are required to read and interpret blueprints and to perform precise machining operations based on project specifications. They must understand the fundamentals of mathematics, metallurgy and mechanical drawing.

Detailed work is a large part of a Machinist's job. Because they make parts to exacting standards, Machinists are required to verify the dimensions of products using precision measuring instruments, calibrate these measuring instruments to ensure accuracy, and inspect and test completed products to ensure that they meet quality standards.

Machinist is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.

Recommendations

The following education is recommended: Grade 10 equivalent (Grade 12 preferred), including English 10, Math 10, Science 10.

 

The Apprenticeship Program comprises Levels 1-to-4 of progressive technical training, with each Level taking 6-8 weeks (180-240 hours) to complete. In addition, apprentices are required to accumulate 6,330 hours of work-based training.

 

A Foundation Program can jump-start your career without employer sponsorship by supplying the knowledge and skills to enter directly at Level 2, after 25 weeks of training.

 

Refer to SkilledTradesBC for full details.

PROGRAM TYPES

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Selkirk College

Silver King Campus - Nelson

Sep 03 2024May 22 2025

Millwright / Machinist

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Sep 03 2024Aug 21 2026

CNC Machinist Technician

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Sep 23 2024Mar 28 2025

Machinist Foundation

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Jan 06 2025Dec 11 2026

CNC Machinist Technician

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Selkirk College

Silver King Campus - Nelson

Feb 03 2025Aug 28 2025

Millwright / Machinist

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