Overview
Start a career as a machinist in industries like oil and gas manufacturing and medical technology with this program that covers blueprint reading and process planning, machining and metal cutting with mills, drills, lathes and grinders.
This full-time program is a great way to start your career as a Machinist - a rewarding and challenging trade with precision and craftsmanship as core attributes.
As a Machinist Technician, you’ll set up and operate precision equipment for the production of a variety of components and assemblies. Machinists make or modify primarily metal components to very fine tolerances.
At 30 weeks in length (900 hours), this program contains content nearly double that afforded by the Machinist apprenticeship stream for equivalent periods.
You will learn skills including, but not limited to:
- machining
- machine set-up
- blueprint reading
- process planning
- design validation
- precision measurement
- heat treatment.
Metal cutting and shaping operations use a variety of machine tools, including conventional mills, drills, lathes, and grinders. As modern machine tools are often computer-driven, a Machinist Technician may be responsible for programming and operating high-tech Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) equipment such as CNC mills, lathes, Electrical Discharge Machines (EDM) and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM).
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate as a Machinist Technician.
Graduates are eligible to write the first and second-year Provincial Apprenticeship Board exams for the machinist trade provided they attain a minimum of 65% in all their courses. Apprenticeship exam fees will be required.
Upon successful completion of your first 15 weeks, you will be eligible to write the first-period Machinist apprenticeship exam. At the end of 30 weeks, you will be eligible to write the second-period Machinist apprenticeship exam.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in:
- transportation
- oil and gas manufacturing
- medical technology
- wherever equipment is manufactured or repaired
Graduates will have achieved the training equivalent of the first two periods of a Machinist apprenticeship.
Related careers include:
- industrial mechanic
- field heat treatment technician


Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $6,192
Year 1 (International): $18,919
Year 1: $6,651
Year 1 (International): $19,384
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date.
Term | Program start |
---|---|
Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
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 requirements
Admission and selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission requirements
Successful completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 10C, Math 10-3, Pure Math 10, or Applied Math 10
- English Language Arts 10-1 or English Language Arts 10-2
- Science 10
- All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
- A pass mark in the SAIT Admission Examination (level 4) or equivalent is accepted in lieu of the above requirements.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program overview information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Machinist Technician and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Semester 1
Course code | Course name | Credit |
---|---|---|
BLPR-202 | Blueprint Reading | 1.5 |
MACH-204 | Machinist Theory I | 3.0 |
MACH-205 | Machine Shop I | 6.0 |
MATH-209 | Mathematics | 1.5 |
MNFG-223 | Computer Numerical Control I | 1.5 |
WELD-218 | Welding | 1.5 |
Semester 1 total | 15.0 |
Semester 2
Course code | Course name | Credit |
---|---|---|
EMTL-203 | Metallurgy | 1.5 |
MACH-254 | Machinist Theory II | 1.5 |
MACH-255 | Machine Shop II | 6.0 |
MATH-259 | Mathematics II | 1.5 |
MNFG-258 | Computer Numerical Control II | 1.5 |
MNFG-260 | Computer Aided Manufacturing | 1.5 |
Semester 2 total | 13.5 | |
Program total | 28.5 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transferring to, within or from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $4,970 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $6,192 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $17,606 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $18,919 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $5,318 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,651 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $17,959 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $344 | $19,384 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 8, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
CSA-approved steel-toe boots and safety glasses are required on the first day of class.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start. Students in this program are required to take ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Email: ma.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Steve Wooldridge, Academic Chair
Email: s teve.wooldridge@sait.ca