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High Precision Machining with Computer Numerical Control
Do you like making things with precision with or without the aid of a computer? Do you consider yourself to be a bit of a techie? Do
you take pride in a seeing high-quality manufactured products? Perhaps you should consider a career as a Machinist!
Today’s manufacturing utilizes innovative technologies, including sophisticated Computer numerical control (CNC), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software and specialty aerospace industry materials to develop and build the products of tomorrow. CNC Machinist technician design, manufacture and repair components, parts and tools from a variety of metals and other engineered materials using traditional and state-of-the-art machines. Many Machinists of today can be found transferring complex mechanical engineering drawings from the computer screen to computerized machinery.
Why BCIT?
BCIT is the largest provider of CNC machinist education and training in the province of BC. The program uses the latest technologies in education to combine theory and practical lessons in a work like environment. The strengths of the BCIT machinist programs are based on:
Great Faculty – Our faculty are dedicated to teaching. Many have extensive manufacturing, engineering, and industrial experience.
Machine Facilities – The key to success is to be able to make a part that is of the highest quality appearance with the most efficient machine operations. You will learn through theory and hands-on practical assignments in our 30,000 square foot shop with state-of-the-art industrial equipment, computer numerical control machines, and computer aided manufacturing software help you to understand the concepts that you learn in lectures and gives you job-ready, practical skills.
Fascinating Career Paths – The opportunities as a CNC machinist technician can be very challenging and lucrative. Some of the career opportunities include:
- Aerospace Industry
- Automobile/Motorcycle Industry
- Medical Research Industry
- Innovative Technologies Industry
- Research and Development Industry
- Forestry and Mining Industry
- Manufacturing Machine Parts Industry
Credentials – After completing the Machinist Foundation or CNC Machinist Technician program, students can complete an apprenticeship in the Machinist Trade. After the completion of your training and a passing grade on the interprovincial exam, you will receive the B.C. Certificate of Apprenticeship, the B.C. Certificate of Qualification, and the Interprovincial Standard Endorsement, also known as the Red Seal.
program entry
Find out more about getting started in the program!
If the CNC Machinist program interests you, review the entrance
requirements. If you qualify, you may want to attend an information session or become a student for a day.
Spend-A-Day with Us
Want to learn more about our program before you apply? Come spend-a-day
with us. You'll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel
for what the program is about.
Find out more »
If you have questions regarding the entrance requirements or the application process, visit Admission & Registration or if you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Chief Instructor, James_Cai@bcit.ca or call 604.432.8214.
Entrance requirements
- High school graduation
- English 12 or Communications 12 or English-language proficiency
- One of the following math requirements:
- Any Math 11
- Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 11
- Foundations of Mathematics 11
- Pre-Calculus 11
Note: Accounting 11 is not acceptable
BCIT Trades Pre-entry Test is acceptable for English and math requirements.
Check for acceptable equivalent courses taught in BC high schools.
Applicants should have a good command of oral and written English, sufficient physical strength and stamina to meet the demands of the work, good hearing, good eyesight, normal colour vision, manual dexterity, and hand/eye coordination. In addition, applicants should have good theoretical and practical mathematical skills and mechanical aptitude.
Potential students with medical or physical difficulties should contact the Disability Resource Centre to arrange an interview (telephone interview if out of town) with the institute's rehabilitation specialist at 604.451.6963.
Trades Discovery
The Trades Discovery General and Trades Discovery for Women are full-time programs designed to prepare participants to successfully enter and complete a Trades Training program.
BC provincial exams
For programs beginning in August 2007 or later which require Grade 12 Math and Science courses, BCIT will not require the applicant to write the provincial exam. Provincial exam marks will still be required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12.
Apply to program
Submit an application: online or by mail.
Scheduled intakes
January and September
*Scheduled intakes are subject to change
Application processing
Continual intake program with applications processed throughout the year. Applications are wait-listed (first-come, first-served).
costs & supplies
Find out how much you will need to complete your trades diploma in CNC Machinist Technician!
The information below will help you determine the cost of taking the program and assist you in developing a budget for your two
years of study. If you have concerns about being able to afford the program, please visit Financial Aid to learn how you may benefit from financial assistance.
Books and supplies
Level 1: $1,276; Level 3: $199
(general estimated cost, and subject to change)
courses
Explore the courses and classes you will be taking!
The CNC machinist technician program contains a blend of classroom lectures and practical shop sessions using the latest
Photo courtesy of Haas Automation Inc.
technology. In the first term of the program, emphasis is put on learning the fundamentals of machining in topics such as engineering drawing, trade math, metallurgy, precision measuring instruments, lathe, mill, and grinder machines. In the second Co-op Term, you will practical your knowledge in real world manufacturer. The third term, you will learn state art CNC machine operation and CAD/CAM programming.
Class hours
0700–1400 or 1230–1930, Monday through Friday
Program matrix
| Level 1 (33 weeks) |
Credits |
| |
MACH 1100 |
Apply Safe Work Practices
The purpose of the course is to expose the learner to all aspects of safety that must be complied with when working in a Machine Shop environment. The course will focus on safe work practices, safe handling of hazardous materials, WHIMIS WCB requirements, fire safety, safe material handling. Course learning activities will include, lectures, assignments, videos, discussions, practical examples and a safely tour of the Machine Shop. The course is a prerequisite for shop floor activities. |
1.5 |
| |
MACH 1103 |
Layout/Measuring and Testing Tools
The purpose of the course is to provide students with the necessary skills to identify, safely use and maintain; basic hand tools; select, use and maintain fasteners; and select, use and maintain layout and measuring tools and gauges. |
6.0 |
| |
MACH 1104 |
Use Support Machines
The purpose of the course is to give student's basic skills in using: drill press, power saws, grinding machines, hydraulic presses and planers. |
7.5 |
| |
MACH 1106 |
Use Lathes
The purpose of the course is to provide students with a good understanding of lathes and common lathe operations. The focus of the course is on students acquiring hands on experience and basic expertise in various operations. |
13.0 |
| |
MACH 1108 |
Use Vertical and Horizontal Milling Machines
The purpose of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire basic skills in operating Vertical and Horizontal Milling Machines, and to use rotary tables and indexing devices. |
11.0 |
| |
MACH 1110 |
Use Precision Grinders
The purpose of the course is to provide student's with a good basic understanding of precision surface and cylinder grinding. Students will learn to select correct grinding wheels, and use surface and cylinder grinders. |
3.0 |
| |
MACH 1111 |
Oxyacetylene Cut and Weld
The purpose of the course is to provide students with basic skills in oxyacetylene cutting and welding. Students will gain a good understanding of equipment components and their safe handling. |
2.0 |
| |
MACH 1113 |
Select Lubricants for Specific Applications
The purpose of the course is to provide students with the knowledge necessary to select the correct lubricants, hydraulic fluids and cutting fluids for selected applications. |
0.5 |
| |
MACH 1117 |
Complete Machine Shop Projects
In this course, students design a machining process for various shop projects. Students will build project components, applying the skills they have learned in previous courses. Completed components are assembled to complete the finished projects. |
11.0 |
| |
MACH 1118 |
Solve Math Problems and Use The Machinist's Handbook
The first competencies of the course supply the learner with the necessary mathematical skills they need to be a successful beginning student in the machining industry. It is designed to compliment all subjects covered in the Machinist, Tool and Die and CNC entry level trades training programs. The latter competencies of the course focus on the development of research skills and an ability to access reference literature found in the Machinery Handbook. |
3.0 |
| |
MACH 1119 |
Read and Interpret Shop Drawings
The purpose of the course is to provide the learner with a basic knowledge and understanding of engineering drawings. Students will learn to effectively communicate by reading and creating sketches of an object in several views. Using a self-paced approach, students will complete step by step assignments from the textbook. |
2.0 |
| |
MACH 1120 |
Fit Bearings, Seals and Gaskets
The purpose of the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge necessary to select appropriate bearings, seals, and gaskets for a given application. |
2.0 |
| |
MACH 1121 |
Prepare for Employment
Students will become familiar with employment legislation, job search techniques and resume writing. |
0.5 |
| |
MACH 1125 |
CNC Simulation
In this course students learn the concept of numerical control (NC) and computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Topics include: types of machines, their maintenance and machine components. The CNC simulation control will be introduced. |
1.0 |
| |
MACH 1129 |
Basic Metallurgy |
2.0 |
| |
ZAPR 0000 |
Apprenticeship Year 1 Exam |
0.0 |
| |
| Level 2 (33 weeks) |
Credits |
| |
MACH 1990 |
Co-op |
33.0 |
| |
| Level 3 (33 weeks) |
Credits |
| |
CNCS 2201 |
Fundamentals of Computer Numerical Control
Deals with key concepts such as machine construction, NC v. CNC, coordinate systems and reference points. |
4.0 |
| |
CNCS 2202 |
Programming Fundamentals
A general overview of manual part programming is covered including functions such as data input, coordinate system presets and tool offsets. |
4.0 |
| |
CNCS 2203 |
Programming Turning Centres
A more detailed application of lathe programming principals and includes concepts such as canned and multiple repetitive cycles. |
4.0 |
| |
CNCS 2204 |
Programming Machine Centres
A more detailed application of machine centre programming principles and includes concepts such as drilling, tapping and boring cycles. |
4.0 |
| |
CNCS 2205 |
Setup and Operate Turning Centre
This course is a practical application of turning centre setup and operation. Home position, work coordinates, tool offsets, screen reading, tool setup and job holding are covered. |
18.0 |
| |
CNCS 2206 |
Setup and Operate Machine Centres
This course is a practical application of machine centre setup and operation. Home position, work coordinates, tool offsets, screen reading, tool setup and job holding are covered. |
18.0 |
| |
CNCS 2207 |
Computed Aided Design
This course covers basic concepts of 2-D and 3-D geometry creation and editing in Mastercam. |
4.0 |
| |
CNCS 2208 |
Computer Aided Manufacture
Basic 2-D and 3-D tool path creation, tool path editing, post processing, job setup and part machining are covered. |
8.0 |
| |
CNCS 2209 |
Coordinate Measuring Machine
This course covers the basic functions of the coordinate measuring machine and will allow the student to accurately measure and record finished parts. |
2.0 |
| |
ZAPR 0002 |
Apprenticeship Year 2 Exam |
0.0 |
| |
| Total Credits: |
165.0 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if
they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's
Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
program details
CNC machinist technician machinists manufacture components, parts and design tools and fixtures from a variety of metals and
Photo courtesy of Haas Automation Inc.
other engineered materials using traditional and state-of-the-art machines.
During program study, theory covered includes:
- Metallurgy precision measuring tools and instruments
- Interpretation of engineered drawings
- Hand tools and power tools
- Machine operation including lathes, milling machines, and grinders
- Computer numerical control (CNC) machines
- Computer aided design (CAD)
- Computer aided manufacturing (CAM)
- Co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM)
Program length
99 weeks, full-time
Level 1 - 33 weeks (Manual Machining)
Level 2 - 33 weeks (Co-op Work Term)
Level 3 - 33 weeks (CNC Machinist Specialization)
Grading
Course passing grade is 70% for each component within a course with a minimum passing grade of 70% for each course. In order to successfully complete the program each level requires a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 70%.
Industry training authority
BCIT transfers to the Industry Training Authority (ITA) the student's name, contact information, Personal Education Number (PEN), and the name and date of the completed ITA Foundation or Entry Level Trades Training (ELTT) program. This information is used for the purposes of tracking successful completions in order to grant credit towards apprenticeship where applicable, and communicating with trainees to promote continuation in an apprenticeship program.
Co-operative education
A cooperative education (co-op) program formally integrates students' academic studies with relevant, paid work experience. Co-op coordinators assist students in finding meaningful work placements and monitor the student's progress on the job. During periods of the business cycle, work experience placements may be difficult to obtain. Ultimately, it is the student's responsibility to secure a work experience placement.
For more information, please visit BCIT's Centre for Workplace Education (Co-op) located in Building NW5, Room 101 at the Burnaby campus.
Co-op coordinator: 604-451-7077
General inquiries: 604-432-8753
Cooperative Education can be found in BCIT's Programming Policy 5004. For more details, please review BCIT's Institute Policies.
graduating & jobs
A rewarding career as a CNC machinist technician
A career in the machinist trade can lead to a variety of interesting work in a wide scope of manufacturing industries. Some of the
Photo courtesy of Haas Automation Inc.
areas of specialization may be CNC programming or Quality Control.
After completing CNC Machinist Technician programs, students can follow the path of an apprentice and earn while you learn.
An array of job opportunities as a:
CNC Machinist or Machinist
-
Interpreting engineered drawings and manufacturing a variety of complex parts using a variety of machinist equipment
- Set up and run computerized lathes, mills and grinders to manufacture specific parts
CNC Programmer
- applying all the machining skills to efficiently set up and programme automated machinery
Quality Control
inspect and verify production of parts to ensure they are within tolerances for size specifications
An edge in the job market
A BCIT trades diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. BCIT programs and courses provide both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills to help you be job-ready. Graduates say that BCIT was extremely helpful in preparing them for employment.
A broad range of employment possibilities
The potential job market for CNC Machine Technician is great. You could either start your own business or work for a small or large company. Graduates can work in research and development, manufacturing, technical sales, quality control, and CNC programming.
Some of the many employers of BCIT's CNC machinist technician graduates include:
Graduate employment outcomes
The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2007-2009 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2006-2008 Graduates.
Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
faculty, advisors & staff
All of our instructors are qualified experienced Machinists or Tool and Die Makers/Mold Makers. Their passion for the trade is evident
in their pursuit for the highest product standard and they mentor their students to achieve the same success.
Some of our instructors were BCIT graduates that have succeeded in industry and now have come back to offer their wisdom and knowledge to the students.
Some of our instructors have bachelor and master degree. If you find the machinist career is not challenging enough, you could continue education at BCIT to study a Bachelor of Manufacturing Technology program to obtain a bachelor degree in manufacturing.
Many of our students have the opportunity to gain a global manufacturing perspective, as some of our instructors have experience working in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Faculty and Staff
- James Cai, Machinist IP, BEng, MBA, PEng, Chief Instructor
- Mark Allardyce, Machinist IP
- Marte Arreola, Machinist IP
- Bill Elgert, Machinist IP
- T.M. Ray Green, Machinist IP
- Andy Hofmann, Machinist IP
- Kerri Macmillan, Administrative Assistant
- Karl Reichenback, Tool and Die TQ
- Greg Wahl, Machinist IP, Tool and Die IP
- Brian Weir, Machinist IP
- Guy Ellis, DiplT, MA (Leadership), Associate Dean
- Trevor Williams, BSc, MSc (Mech Eng), PEng, Dean, School of Manufacturing, Electronics and Industrial Processes
Advisory committee
- Surinderpal Ghotra, Cimtech Manufacturing Inc.
- Michel Maillochon, Asco Aerospace
- Ed Bendfeld, Canam Tool & Engineering Inc.
- Rob Vander Starren, Alliance CNC Solutions Inc.
- Guy Walton
- John Chiasson, Pazmac Enterprises Ltd.
- John MacKinnon, Avcorp Industries Inc.
- Gary Markham, Raute Wood
- Uwe zum Hingst, Zum Hingst Technologies Inc.
- Claudio Bolognese, Teleflex Canada
As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.
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