The program offers both theory and hands-on shop experience.

  • During the first semester of the CNC Machinist Technician program, students will receive training on manual machines such as engine lathes, milling machines, drill presses and grinders.
  • In the second semester, students receive training on the operation, set up and programming of CNC (computer numberical control) turning and milling centres.
  • The final component is 8 weeks of work experience which gives students an opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in an industrial setting by working in a machine shop or manufacturing plant.

Classroom & Study Hours

Students can expect to spend on average

  • 30 hours per week attending classes over the course of a semester
  • 15 hours per week studying and completing assignments
  • 40 hours per week working during the 8-week work experience term

NAIT Sandvik Coromant Centre for Machinist Technology

NAIT’s Sandvik Coromant Centre for Machinist Technology opened with a $2-million donation from Sandvik Coromant of Canada.  The centre includes 5 labs with $4.5 million of new equipment, A centralized tool crib that efficiently stores and distributes tools to each of the Machinist labs, 5 smart classrooms wired to take advantage of the latest technologies, including data projection and network access and two 26-seat computer labs used for programming the 20 Computer Numerical Control (CNC) units in the CNC Machinist Lab.



Lab Features

Labs include:

  • both CNC turning and machining centres
  • state-of-the-art computer labs and programming software
  • manual lathes
  • manual milling machines
  • drill presses
  • precision grinders
  • heat treating facilities

Is This Program For You?

People who are successful in the machine shop field generally demonstrate the following characteristics:

  • good hand-working skills
  • good problem-solving capabilities
  • mechanical inclination
  • an ability to work well with others
  • competence in math
  • mature attitudes toward learning and work

Student Experience

Skills you will acquire:

  • working with tools
  • operating drilling machines
  • operating lathes
  • operating milling machines
  • CNC machining and turning centres
  • hardening and tempering operations
  • simple maintenance and servicing tasks
  • reading blueprints and making simple sketches

Our curriculum aligns with the knowledge and skills business and industry is looking for in our graduates and the demand for our students is high. Theoretical concepts learned in a classroom setting are reinforced by lab and shop activities with state-of-the-art equipment and training aids by highly qualified and dedicated faculty and staff. This provides students with an experience that simulates actual workplace situations, assisting with the school-to-work transition.

The School of Trades participates in the NAITfye (First Year Experience) initiative developed to help students transition to life on campus. The goals are for our first-year students to become confident in their abilities, get connected to NAIT through groups, peers, and staff, be supported personally and academically, get motivated to complete their program, and most importantly enjoy the learning environment here at NAIT!

NAITfye has developed a series of free workshops that are offered throughout the first year along with welcome and orientation events.  These workshops will be on a variety of topics chosen with your specific needs in mind and theme-oriented based on the time of year.

If you want more information about the NAITfye workshops or have questions about NAIT services or student life, please visit the NAIT First Year Experience section of our website or email askfye@nait.ca . We will answer any questions you have or direct you to the area best able to help you.

Leading Edge Facilities

Top-notch learning environments give students the edge. Machinist students gain skills on the most technologically-advanced equipment available in the NAIT Sandvik Coromant Centre for Machinist Technology.