Machinists set up and machine using conventional, portable and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines that cut or grind metal and other materials into products with precise dimensions, including lathes, milling machines, saws, grinding machines, drilling machines, boring machines, electrical discharge machines (EDM), line borers and portable milling machines. They work from drawings, specifications and measurements to calculate dimensions, tolerances and types of fit. They must be knowledgeable about the properties of metals and non-metallic materials. Machinists work in industries where machines are manufactured, repaired or used, including those that manufacture machinery equipment, motor vehicle or aerospace parts. They produce precision parts that are used in all aspects of manufacturing. They work in shipyards, rail yards, refineries, pulp and paper mills, mines, smelters, metal fabricating and repair shops. Sectors that employ machinists include oil and gas, medical, research and development and forestry.

Machinists tend to work indoors. There are risks of injury working with moving machine parts, sharp edges, flying debris and extreme temperatures from heated or chilled materials. Precautions are required while working with manufacturing chemicals and airborne irritants. Key attributes for machinists are: mechanical aptitude, hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and knowledge of mathematics and physics. The work often requires considerable standing and the handling of heavy objects. Experienced machinists may move into mentoring or supervisory positions. They may transfer their skills to occupations such as tool and die maker, mould maker, industrial mechanic (millwright) or CNC programmer.
(https://www.red-seal.ca/_conf/assets/custom/docms/machinist_tp2018_eng.pdf)

APPRENTICESHIP TERM: 4 years, 7200 hours (Plan of Training – 2022)
Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Pre-Employment (37 wks)	8 weeks	6 weeks	7 weeks
8 weeks**	8 weeks	6 weeks	7 weeks

APPRENTICESHIP TERM: 4 years, 7200 hours (Plan of Training – 2019)
Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Pre-Employment (37 wks)	10 weeks	8 weeks	8 weeks
16 weeks**	10 weeks	8 weeks	8 weeks
Refer to the Pathways to Certification diagram.**