Machinist
Machinists set up and machine using conventional, portable and Computer Numerical Control machines that cut or grind metal and other materials into products with precise dimensions. These machines include lathes, milling machines, saws, grinding machines, drilling machines, boring machines, line borers and portable milling machines.
National Occupational Classification (NOC): 72100
Designation Year: 1965
Designated Red Seal in: AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YK
Trade title: Machinist, in AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, PE, SK, YK
Other titles used in provinces/territories: General Machinist (ON); Machinist – Conventional Machine (QC)
Occupational Standard for current exams
View the most recent standard. This is the complete description of the activities of the Machinist trade. It is used as the basis for the Red Seal exams for this trade.
Essential Skills
Please refer to the Essential Skills section of the trade’s Occupational Standard that describes the essential skills needed to succeed in this trade.
Job Market Reports
Find job market information such as wages, outlooks, education and skills needed at Explore Careers on the Job Bank website.
Sample Questions
Try the sample Machinist examination questions to prepare for your Red Seal examination.
Exam Information
Rate your experience and knowledge in the trade using the Self-Assessment Tool. Learn about how many questions there are on different topics on the Red Seal exam, the types of questions that are used, and examples of each type.
Ellis Chart
Consult the Ellis Chart for a full breakdown of apprenticeship data from across Canada for the trade of Machinist.