Machinist

Machinists turn blocks of metal into complex, intricate metal parts for other products. They also fit and assemble metal parts and sub-assemblies, ensuring the parts in these products meet exacting standards in size, strength and hardness. Machinists set up and operate both conventional and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines such as cutting tools, lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, drilling and boring machines, shapers, planers, precision measuring tools, hand and power tools, and related attachments and accessories. Machinists often work in manufacturing plants or machine shops and are required to read and interpret blueprints and to perform precise machining operations based on project specifications. They must understand the fundamentals of mathematics, metallurgy and mechanical drawing.

Detailed work is a large part of a Machinist's job. Because they make parts to exacting standards, Machinists are required to verify the dimensions of products using precision measuring instruments, calibrate these measuring instruments to ensure accuracy, and inspect and test completed products to ensure that they meet quality standards.

Machinist is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.