Machinist

Career Pathway Machinist Also known as: General Machinist; Machine Shop Inspector Salary range: Average: $30.00/hour JOB DESCRIPTION Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts or products with precise dimensions. Their expertise ensure that renewable energy systems operate efficiently and reliably by fabricating, machining and maintaining precision parts and components. Range: $28.00 – $36.00/hour Source: Government of Canada Job Bank Work type: Full-time; shift work; rotational work Work environment: Machinist primarily work indoors in well-equipped workshops or manufacturing facilities, where they engage in hands-on tasks that enhance technical skills and expertise. They work within environments that promote strong safety culture and collaborative work relationships. GENERAL JOB TASKS Set-up, operate and maintain a variety of machine tools, including computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools to perform precision, machining operations such as sawing, turning, milling, boring, planning, drilling, precision grinding and other operations. Compute dimensions and tolerances, measure and lay out work pieces. Fit and assemble machined parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools. Verify dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments. Read and interpret engineering drawing, blueprints, charts and tables or study sample parts to determine machining operations to be performed, and plan best sequence of operations. TRAINING To become a Journeyperson Machinist, an individual must compete the certification examination to be granted a Certificate of Qualification (Red Seal – Machinist). A Certificate of Qualification is not compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador to work as a Machinist, however registered apprentices and journeypersons often have better career options, job security and wages. To achieve Certificate of Qualification, individuals can explore one of the following pathways: Pre-Employment Program Individuals with limited or no recent work experience in the trade can register and complete a Pre-Employment Program (listed under Educational Options) and then Register as an Apprentice with the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division (ATCD). Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills. Recognition of Prior Learning Individuals with acquired learning from work experience, life experiences and other formal training, which may be equivalent to certain components of apprenticeship training programs, can contact an Apprenticeship Program Officer to discuss Recognition of Prior Learning. Trade Qualifier Individuals who meet the jurisdictional requirements and have at least one and a half (1.5) times the work experience of an apprenticeship term for a designated trades can have their work skills and hours verified by a certified journeyperson and may be eligible to write the certification examination as a Trade Qualifier. EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS Institution: College of the North Atlantic Location: Placentia Program: Machinist Duration: 37 weeks Delivery mode: On-campus delivery; full-time Estimated cost (tuition, fees, supplies): Canadian Residents: $6,600.00 (May be subject to change) International Students: $13,500.00 (May be subject to change) Entrance requirements: Eligibility for admission requires one of the following: High School Graduation or equivalent Mature Student (further assessment required) Learn more about Entrance Requirements here. ESSENTIAL SKILLS Technical skills and aptitude (mechanical, mathematics and physics) Hand-eye coordination Manuel dexterity Digital technology Document use Problem-solving skills Attention to detail/precision Communication skills Working with others Continuous learning Occupational Health and Safety OTHER REQUIRED TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) Certification Standard First Aid Site-Specific Safety Certifications These may be covered in Educational Program or by employer. CAREER PROGRESSION With experience and additional training, Machinist can progress into mentorship, supervisory and management positions. They may focus on quality assurance and inspection and/or start their own contracting business and/or move into teaching/instructor positions. USEFUL RESOURCES: Apprenticeship & Trades Certification Division Government of Canada – Career Planning Red Seal Program BuildForce Canada