Career Ambassadors

Machinist

Machinists 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.

What Do Machinists do?

• 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
• Measure and mark metal and other materials
• Set up and operate tools, which may be computer numerically controlled, to perform precision machining operations
• Fit parts to mechanisms and verify dimensions
• Understand the effects of heat treatment on metals and be skilled in heat treatment processes

Where do Machinists work?

• AREVA and Cameco
• Manufacturing industries
• Equipment repair shops
• Custom machine shops
• Steel mills
• Metal fabrication plants
• Welding repair shops
• Automotive engine rebuilding shops
• Machine manufacturing companies

What characteristics do you need?

• Ability to use their hands skillfully and quickly
• Mechanical ability
• Ability to estimate and measure sizes and distances accurately
• Work independently at tasks that require concentration as well as physical effort

Estimated Average Hourly Wage from Service Canada - Saskatchewan - $25.19/hour

Post-Secondary Institute

• SIAST – Machine Shop (pre-employment)
o Certificate Program
o Require: Grade 10
o Length: 34 weeks

• Saskatchewan Apprenticeship – Machinist
o Completed Grade 12
o Must be working in the trade and under the supervision of a certified journeyperson
o Length: 4 years including 1,800 hours of technical training and on-the-job training

Career Ambassador Project
Community Vitality Monitoring Partnership Process
306-425-6883