Machinist

Skilled Trades

Job Description

Machinists are precise people. They enjoy making complex parts with and without the help of computers. 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 – all to exact dimensions. Machinists also work as machining and tooling inspectors who inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards. Are you a techie at heart who takes pride in producing high-quality manufactured products? If the answer is yes, then you could be a machinist. Your workspace is a workshop. Many machinists spend their days transferring complex mechanical engineering drawings from a computer screen to computerized machinery. This means you move back and forth between the worlds of computers and precision machines.

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Is your career goal to become a(n) Machinist in the forest industry?

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This job is right for you if...

  • You want to live an oversized life in one of Canada’s beautiful forest communities
  • A sense of community is important to you
  • You like variety and learning new things
  • You want to make a difference working in a green job
  • You like precision
  • You are comfortable with computers
  • You are handy with tools
  • You want to work in a workshop, not an office

Communities

Check out these forest communities where Skilled Trades jobs are available.

HIGH LEVEL, ALBERTA
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE, ALBERTA
FORT ST-JAMES, BRITISH COLUMBIA

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Education And Training

Getting a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification is mandatory for machinists. After that, you will need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program. Apprentice machinists get training while earning a pay cheque and building a career as a highly skilled worker. Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement is also available to allow your skills to be officially recognized across Canada.

Apprenticeship grants: Apprentices can receive up to $4,000 in grants to pay
tuition, travel, tools, or other expenses. If you are considering an apprenticeship,
visit Red Seal for information on how to get started.

Lakeland College
Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

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NOTE

The requirements listed are generally required qualifications for this Career Type. The qualifications may vary based on the employer and/or the geographic location of that job.

FORECASTED JOBS

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* 2016 National Household Survey data not available. Comparative data has been used.

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