CNC Machinist Technician

Certificate

This program is not currently accepting applications.
If you have any questions, please contact us. To search for other NAIT programs, visit Program Search.

You want to be a CNC machinist.

You want to learn the skills and knowledge of conventional machining operations to utilize drill presses, lathes, milling machines and various grinding machines, including using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programming, set up and operation. You will also receive introductory CAD/CAM training, as well as inspection and quality control training.

Successful completion of this 1-year certificate can allow you to challenge the first year apprenticeship exam for the Machinist program.

Hands-on, industry-relevant training 

Graduates of the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist certificate are responsible for manufacturing components for the oil and gas, mining, forestry, construction and transportation industries. A CNC machinist will demonstrate trade specific skills in programming, setup and operation of computer controlled tools. Graduates will also perform competently when working with manual machine tools.

Machinists are able to work efficiently on their own and/or in team environments where problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills and current knowledge of technological trends and quality practices are essential to daily work. A graduate with a CNC Machinist certificate may be given the opportunity to apprentice in the machinist trade. This program has both fall and winter intakes.

Is this program for you?

To be successful as a machinist, you must have:

  • good hand-working skills
  • good problem-solving capabilities
  • mechanical inclination
  • an ability to work well with others
  • competence in math
  • mature attitudes towards learning and work
  • During the first semester of the CNC Machinist certificate, you will receive training on manual machines such as engine lathes, milling machines, drill presses and grinders.
  • In the second semester, you will receive training on the operation, set up and programming of CNC (computer numerical control) turning and milling centres.
  • The final component is an 8-week  work placement, which gives you an opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge in an industrial setting by working in a machine shop.
CNC Machinist

International students

International students are eligible to enrol in the CNC Machinist certificate program and are also eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit program (PGWPP).

Please note, however, that Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) is a training program that is limited to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada. Temporary VISA holders (such as those participating in the PGWPP) do not meet the eligibility requirements and are not able to register through the on-line apprenticeship registration system.

2021 Provincial Skills Canada Competition: NAIT CNC Machining

Get an inside look at NAIT CNC Machining students competing in the 2021 Provincial Skills Canada Competition.

International Applicants

International applicants should please note the following:

  • Study Permit and Co-op Work permit: Admission into this 1-year certificate program may qualify international students for a study permit.
  • Work Practicum: Students enrolled in this program must complete a work practicum. As such, international students must apply for a co-op work permit and receive approval before the start of your work placement.
  • Working in the Skilled Trades in Alberta: Graduates of this program may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. However, study permit or work permit holders may not be eligible to indenture with Alberta Industry Training (AIT) upon completion of this program. Indenturing with AIT is a requirement to work as a technician in Alberta. Learn more about who can indenture.

International applicants seeking permissions to take this program can contact a NAIT academic advisor – international focus to discuss options.

Career Outcomes

Build your resume before you even graduate

Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.

View Work Integrated Learning

Work Experience Placements

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 1 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of C+ in the course(s) or program

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Scholarships & Awards

NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!

Learn how to apply for awards

International Applicants

This program accepts international students.

PGWP Eligibility

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. Students must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements, including full-time and in-person study requirements.

Co-Op Work Permit

Mandatory Co-op: This program has a mandatory work-integrated learning component. International students must apply for a co-op work permit and have it approved before the start of their work placement.

Permanent Residency

NAIT students and graduates of this program may apply for Permanent Residency (PR) if they qualify under one of Canada’s PR pathways.

However, this program is not eligible for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).

Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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This program is a part of the School of Manufacturing and Automation.

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