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Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors (7231)

Occupation targeted under the Workplace Apprenticeship Program

Please note that detailed information for each of the occupations under the Workplace Apprenticeship Program is only available in French.

Among the occupations currently in highest demand in All of Québec

The English text is currently unavailable. Please refer to the French text below.

Qualification and skills most often required

Le diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) en techniques d’usinage est exigé. L’attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP) en usinage sur machines-outils à commande numérique (MOCN) est parfois demandée. Une attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP) en matriçage ou outillage peut constituer un atout. Le Programme d’apprentissage en milieu de travail d’Emploi-Québec, en tant que machiniste, machiniste sur machine-outil à commande numérique, machiniste-mouliste, matriceur ou matriceuse, outilleur ou outilleuse, constitue aussi un moyen de se qualifier en emploi dans cette profession. Des compétences en usinage sur les machines-outils à contrôle numérique à 3, 4 ou 5 axes et la connaissance de certains logiciels spécifiques (ex. : SolidWorks, FeatureCam, Shauling, etc.) sont demandées. Des habiletés en lecture de plans, des connaissances en mathématiques (conversion et calcul en systèmes métrique et impérial) et la connaissance des procédés de fabrication sont nécessaires. La dextérité, la minutie, le sens du détail ainsi qu’une très bonne perception spatiale sont des qualités recherchées. Les candidates et les candidats expérimentés sont très recherchés. Les machinistes qualifiés peuvent obtenir le Sceau rouge.

Reason for labor demand

La demande de main-d’œuvre vient de différents types d’industries, dont les fabricants de produits métalliques, de machinerie et d’équipement ainsi que de matériel de transport, les ateliers d’usinage, le secteur de la construction, les mines et les carrières, la production et le transport de l’énergie, les télécommunications, etc. La rareté des personnes diplômées ajoute aux difficultés de recrutement des entreprises. Les conditions de travail (horaires, salaires) et les exigences des employeurs en matière d’expérience de travail expliquent également les difficultés de recrutement. Des offres d’emploi sont régulièrement publiées pour cette profession.

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Job titles

  • aircraft engine parts machinist
  • aircraft machinist
  • apprentice automotive machinist
  • View all job titles

Nature of work

Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts or products with precise dimensions. Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards. They are employed by machinery, equipment, motor vehicle, automotive parts, aircraft and other metal products manufacturing companies and by machine shops.

Fields of interest

  • Making or building things, constructing, doing repairs, and performing installations
  • Working with your hands

Main duties

  • Machinists perform some or all of the following duties:
  • - Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts and tables or study sample parts to determine machining operation to be performed, and plan best sequence of operations
  • - Compute dimensions and tolerances and measure and lay out work pieces
  • - Set up, operate and maintain a variety of machine tools including computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools to perform precision, non-repetitive machining operations such as sawing, turning, milling, boring, planing, drilling, precision grinding and other operations
  • - Fit and assemble machined metal parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools
  • - Verify dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments
  • - May set up and program machine tools for use by machining tool operators.
  • Machining and tooling inspectors perform some or all of the following duties:
  • - Verify dimensions of machined parts or tooling using micrometers, verniers, callipers, height gauges, optical comparators, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM) or other specialized measuring instruments
  • - Maintain, repair and calibrate precision measuring instruments such as dial indicators, fixed gauges, height gauges and other measuring devices
  • - Report deviations from specifications and tolerances to supervisor
  • - Maintain inspection records and complete inspection reports.

Main characteristics of the occupation

These headings are provided for the following occupation(s) :

Employment requirements

  • * Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • * Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program orA combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in machining is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
  • * Trade certification for machinists is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories.
  • * Trade certification for automotive machinists is available, but voluntary, in Ontario.
  • * Trade certification for machinists (CNC) is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick.
  • * Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available to qualified machinists.
  • * Several years of experience as a machinist, tool and die maker or machining tool operator may be required for machining and tooling inspectors.

Skill type

  • Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

Skill level

  • Technical

More information

  • * Familiarity with exotic and composite materials may be required for machinists in aviation and other advanced manufacturing sectors.
  • * Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
  • * Red Seal trade certification allows for interprovincial mobility.

Job titles - Classified elsewhere

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