Overview
Learn how to set up and operate precision metal cutting and grinding machines such as lathes, milling machines, drills and grinders to make and repair products made from metals, plastics, rubber textiles, fibreglass and space-age alloys.
If you desire a career where you will be working on the leading edge in production while doing creative work with machinery that requires precise skill and accuracy, you'll enjoy working as a machinist.
You'll work according to very precise specifications. You’ll determine dimensions by logic or by measuring samples using instruments such as micrometres and callipers. Electronic instruments have digital readouts and require the operator to program them for use.
Throughout a project, you will study specifications, charts, drawings or sample parts to determine the machining operation to be performed, calculate dimensions and tolerances and prepare working sketches if necessary. You'll measure and mark metal and other materials, set up and operate tools, which may be computer numerically controlled, to perform precision machining operations and fit parts to mechanisms and verify dimensions.
This is a non-compulsory trade — individuals can work in the trade without certification if the employer deems the individual to have the skills of a journeyperson. However, individuals who are working in the trade and learning the trade must become a registered apprentice.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who have the following characteristics see greater success in the machining trade:
- the desire to learn new technology and production trends
- the ability to use your hands skillfully and quickly
- mechanical ability
- the ability to estimate and measure size and lengths accurately and do precise work
- the ability to work independently at tasks that require a high level of concentration and physical effort
- the stamina to stand for long periods of time
- a commitment to safe work habits
Credentials
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Machinists are a Red Seal Endorsed trade — a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
Career opportunities
Start your career by finding an employer who is willing to indenture you as an apprentice or gain experience with our Machinist Technician program.
As a machinist, you will work in job or production shop. In job shops, you will make a wide variety of repair parts for different types of machinery and industrial equipment in different situations. In production shops, you will produce parts using mass-production methods including CNC machining and other tools. You will likely work in a fast-paced environment. In Alberta, small production runs are more typical. Almost all workshops will have art machines or machines where technology is required and will work in a noisy or dusty environment. Your day will include a lot of standing as you work on different projects.
After becoming a journeyperson, you may advance to positions such as quality assurance managers, engineers, lead hands and supervisors. Some journeypersons go on to run their own businesses — we can help you build your business with our Blue Seal business certificate.
Tuition and fees per year*
- Period 1: $1,263
- Period 2: $1,263
- Period 3: $1,263
- Period 4: $1,263
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
Entrance requirements for all apprenticeship programs are set by Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
When do classes start?
Registration for the 2022/23 academic year opens May 17, 2022.
| Period | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Aug. 29, 2022 | Oct. 21, 2022 |
| 4 | Oct. 24, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022 |
| 3 | Jan. 3, 2023 | Feb. 24, 2023 |
| 1 | May 1, 2023 | June 23, 2023 |
Utilizing 3D printers to combat COVID-19
SAIT instructor has been working around the clock to manufacture and assemble the 3D-printed masks and shields.
Admission and completion
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 10-2
- Math 10-3
- Science 10
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended path
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 20 OR Chemistry 20 OR Science 20
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
How to register
Registration for apprenticeship education is run through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Learn how you can register for your next intake.
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
1.800.248.4823
tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Suite 200 Willow Park Centre
10325 Bonaventure DR. SE
Calgary, AB
After you register
Email is the primary source of communication after you have registered for your intake. Please ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Training
The term of apprenticeship for a machinist is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of apprenticeship education each year.
apprenticeship education performance
To be successful in apprenticeship education, an apprentice must pass each section of the course and pass the AIT exam. The passing grade for each section in the course is a 65%. A passing mark on each provincial exam Exam and the Interprovincial Qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
Costs 2022/23
Tuition and fees*
| Period | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
| 2 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
| 3 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
| 4 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
SAIT fees
Campus recreation fee: $49
Lab and material fee: $82
Student support fee: $50
Student technology fee: $50
Books and supplies*
- Books or modules along with other items for class average out to $600 per period.
- It is recommended that you do not purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes and they cannot be returned to the bookstore.
- Personal Protective Equipment will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.