Traits, skills and aptitudes
Machinists tend to be objective, innovative and methodical.
You need:
- mechanical aptitude
- critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- the ability to use your hands skillfully and quickly
- the ability to estimate and measure sizes and distances accurately
- the ability to work alone on tasks that require concentration and physical effort.
You should enjoy doing creative work with machinery that requires a high degree of skill and precision.
Academic path
This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s (AIT) Machinist curriculum.
Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam.
Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT’s Machinist apprenticeship program beginning in period two.
Graduates are also eligible to receive course credit for all first-semester classes in our Machinist Technology diploma program.
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Pre-Employment Machinist certificate.
Not open to international applicants
This program is not available to international applicants at this time.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians (22302)
- Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations (72010)
- Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (72100)
- Machine fitters (72405)
- Supervisors, other mechanical and metal products manufacturing (92023)
- Metalworking and forging machine operators (94105)
- Machining tool operators (94106
- Labourers in metal fabrication (95101)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 50% in Math 20-1, Math 20-2 or Math 20-3, and
- at least 50% in English Arts 20-1 or English Arts 20-2, and
- at least 50% in Science 10.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Program outline
The Pre-Employment Machinist certificate requires credits (13.5 courses) to complete.
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you 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 >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
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 is required this term.
Program outcomes
- Follow workplace safety regulations while performing machining operations.
- Communicate effectively using trade terminology.
- Interpret drawings and plans, and be able to lay out and develop basic projects according to specifications.
- Demonstrate skills in identifying and correctly using trade-related tools.
- Demonstrate basic skills in operating a computer numerical control (CNC) machine.
- Perform basic CAD/CAM programming.
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