Overview
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. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Machinists
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
Verify dimensions of machined parts or tooling using micrometers, verniers, callipers, height gauges, optical comparators, coordinate 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
Complete and maintain inspection reports.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$43,798
$70,910
$91,766
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
441expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college and industry courses in machining may be required for trade certification.
Trade certification for machinists is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories.
Additional information
Familiarity with exotic and composite materials may be required for machinists in aviation and other advanced manufacturing sectors.
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Machinists
- Machinist Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Machinists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a machinist in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Machinist Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of BC in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.