Program Description
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.
Fast Facts
- This program is two years in length, with each academic year divided into two 15-week semesters, with an optional Work Co-op after the second semester.
- 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.
Your Career
Modern machine shops are clean and safe work environments. Machining Technicians may find employment in a variety of industries including but not limited to transportation, oil and gas manufacturing, medical technology, wherever equipment is being manufactured or repaired.
Graduates of the Machining Technology program benefit from a high level of industry demand, having achieved recognized training equivalent to the four periods of the Machinist apprenticeship program. A diploma from the SAIT Machining Technology program demonstrates the core competencies required for success in the Machinist trade.
Student Success
Students with higher grades usually experience more success in SAIT’s programs.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Machining Technology diploma.
Program Outcomes
1. Demonstrate leadership in workplace safety.
2. Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills and familiarity with trade terminology when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
3. Apply mathematical principles to solve mechanical and manufacturing problems.
4. Exercise professional judgment when planning jobs, selecting tools and sequencing operations for a project.
5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of CNC programming codes.
6. Operate, troubleshoot machining operations and maintain precision and CNC machines.
7. Use CAD/CAM technologies to read and interpret mechanical drawings and develop projects according to specifications.
8. Operate different models of machines and cutting tools to safely manufacture, assemble and repair mechanical and manufacturing components according to specifications.
9. Use current and emerging technologies, computer hardware and software, techniques, and materials to support mechanical and manufacturing projects.
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