Overview
Start your career as a machinist – a rewarding and challenging trade with precision and craftsmanship as core attributes. Get hands-on machining training by setting up and operating precision and CNC equipment to produce components used in various industries.
As a machinist, you’ll make or modify mainly metal components to very fine tolerances based on intended designs. Modern machine tools are computer-driven, making machinists responsible for programming and operating high-tech equipment such as CNC mills, lathes, electrical discharge machines (EDM) and coordinate measuring machines (CMM). Metal cutting and shaping operations also use various other tools, including conventional mills, drills, lathes and grinders.
Some of the skills you’ll learn in this program include machining as a broad range of technologies and techniques. In addition, you’ll get hands-on training on machine set-up, manual and computer numerically controlled (CNC) operations, blueprint reading and CAD/CAM, process planning, design validation, precision measurement, metallurgy and machine shop communication fundamentals.
With 60 weeks (1530 hours) of training, this two-year program offers nearly double the content of the Machinist apprenticeship stream for equivalent periods. When you successfully complete each of the first three 15-week semesters, you will be eligible to write the Alberta Machinist Apprenticeship Period exams. At the end of 60 weeks, you will be eligible to write the Journeyman Machinist apprenticeship exam.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Machining Technology diploma.
Get more information about this and similar programs
Admission requirements
Program requirements
Successful completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 50% in English Arts 20-1 OR English Arts 20-2
- at least 50% in Math 20-1 OR Math 20-2 OR Math 20-3
- at least 50% in Science 10
- applicants who have successfully completed the SAIT Machinist Technician program or equivalent are eligible for admission.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
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. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program 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 the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
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. We recommend you add the ma.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
Courses
Program Outline
First Year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BLPR-229 | Blueprint Reading I | 1.5 |
| MACH-201 | Machine Shop I | 3.0 |
| MACH-203 | Machinist Theory I | 3.0 |
| MATH 266 | Applied Mathematics for Machinists - I | 1.5 |
| MNFG 201 | CNC Shop I | 3.0 |
| MNFG 202 | CNC Theory I | 1.5 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BLPR-235 | Blueprint Reading (CAD) II | 1.5 |
| EMTL-204 | Metallurgy | 1.5 |
| MACH-211 | Machine Shop II | 3.0 |
| MACH-252 | Machinist Theory II | 3.0 |
| MATH-267 | Applied Mathematics for Machinists - II | 1.5 |
| MNFG-212 | CNC Shop II | 1.5 |
| MNFG-256 | CNC Theory II | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
Co-op Work Term (Optional)
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CPWK-252 | Cooperative Work Term | 0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 0 | |
| First Year Total | 30.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BLPR-301 | Blueprint Reading (CAD/CAM) III | 1.5 |
| COMM-267 | Professional Communication Skills | 1.5 |
| MACH-301 | Machine Shop III | 3.0 |
| MACH-305 | Machinist Theory III | 3.0 |
| MATH -02 | Applied Mathematics for Machinists - III | 1.5 |
| MNFG-301 | CNC Theory III | 3.0 |
| MNFG-303 | CNC Shop III | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BLPR-350 | Blueprint Reading (CAD/CAM) IV | 1.5 |
| EMTL-307 | Metrology (CMM) | 1.5 |
| MACH-352 | Machine Shop IV | 3.0 |
| MACH-354 | Machinist Theory IV | 3.0 |
| MNFG-351 | CNC Theory IV | 3.0 |
| MNFG-352 | CNC Shop IV | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total | 30.0 | |
| Program Total | 60.0 | |
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.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $9,510 | $948 | $622 | $11,080 |
| 2 | 2 | $9,510 | $948 | $622 | $11,080 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $19,950 | $948 | $622 | $21,520 |
| 2 | 2 | $19,950 | $948 | $622 | $21,520 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.22/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $2,000 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*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.
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held on campus on Aug. 31. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on March 1 through March 15 for Spring 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
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.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8641
Email: ma.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Ryan Meisinger, Academic Chair
Email: ryan.meisinger@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
