CNC Machinist Technician

Certificate

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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.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Jan. 08, 2025 (Winter) In-person Weekdays - Daytime Main 1 Year ((Full-time)) Open Limited
  Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) In-person Weekdays - Daytime Main 1 Year (Full-time) Open Open
Jan. 08, 2026 (Winter) In-person Weekdays - Daytime Main 1 Year (Full-time) Upcoming Upcoming
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

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Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

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

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.

For Advanced Apprenticeship Standing

Apprenticeship and Industry Training
Phone: 1.800.248.4823 
Toll-free: 780.310.0000








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