Program Overview

Machinists are in high demand in western Canada—from the oil patch to power utilities, from manufacturing facilities to mines, mills and chemical plants. The job demands both problem-solving and creativity to machine parts to blueprint specifications.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Machinist certificate program can fast-track you into the workforce, and give you a head start on apprenticeship. You’ll need good computer skills, math skills and be comfortable working in industrial settings.

Machinist is a one-year certificate program offered in Saskatoon and Regina. You’ll learn on a variety of machine tools in Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s well-equipped shops including lathes, mills, drill presses, surface grinders, CNC lathes and machining centres. You’ll also learn online, blended training for the CNC course, and participate in an industry-based work experience.

Experienced instructors who understand the demands of industrial workplaces, from maintaining workflow to working safely, will help you build knowledge and skills in:

  • blueprint reading, technical drawing, precision measurement
  • communications and applied math
  • computer numerical control (CNC)
  • drilling machine operations
  • grinding and sawing operations
  • heat treatment processes
  • lathe operations
  • materials selection
  • milling machine operations

Apprenticeship Credit

With this Sask Polytech credential, you may be eligible for credit towards apprenticeship training. To learn more, contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC).

Trade to Degree

The Bachelor of Applied Management (BAMgt) degree provides journeypersons the unique opportunity to leverage existing education and experience into a bachelor's degree with two years of additional study. Part-time and remote options are available.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Graduates of the certificate program are working in manufacturing facilities, equipment repair shops, custom machine shops, steel mills, metal fabrication plants, power generating plants, food processing plants, mines, welding repair shops, engine rebuilding shops and machine manufacturing companies. 

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
CNC MachinistMachinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors (7231)$38,500 - $89,500
Tool & Die MakerTool and Die Makers (7232)$39,600 - $78,000

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):

August 28, 2023


Length: 34 weeks

Locations

  • Regina
  • Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.



ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 245 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
  • 243 Reading

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2022/23 Academic Year

$9,200

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Expand All +
Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
BESK 104
Benchwork 1
3
Show course details
You will study semi-precision benchwork processes, handheld cutting tools, and produce parts with these methods.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): MEAS 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
BESK 105
Benchwork 2
3
Show course details
You will study precision layout, offhand grinding, and more advanced handheld tools.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): BESK 104(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
BESK 106
Benchwork 3
2
Show course details
You will study hand threading operations and mechanical hardware. You will perform threading and thread restoration procedures.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): BESK 105(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
COMM 127
Fundamental Communication Skills
2
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You will use fundamental employability skills related to obtaining and keeping a job. You will apply skills to work effectively with others and produce job-related documents. You will identify employability and practical skills to prepare effective job search materials and discuss the effect of attitudes and behaviours on a successful job search.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 106, COMM 127A, COMM 187, COMM 191, COMM 193, JOBS 190, PROF 100, TCOM 102, TCOM 105, TCOM 120, TCOM 140
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Online, Online - Individual, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Work Based Delivery
DRAW 100
Technical Drawing
4
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You will study how to use drawing instruments and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems and apply drafting standards to produce drawings and sketches for parts production.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): DRFT 191
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
INDG 100
Introduction to Indigenous Studies
1
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You will receive an introduction to the Indigenous cultural groups within Saskatchewan. You will learn about the colonization of Indigenous peoples by the Canadian state. Your studies will help you discuss current issues and explore possible solutions.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
MACH 101
Drilling Machine Operations
3
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You will study how to set up, operate and maintain various drilling machines. You will perform drilling, reaming, and tapping operations.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): BESK 105(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MACH 102
Precision Grinding Operations
3
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You will set up, operate, and maintain various precision grinding machines. You will select, mount and balance grinding wheels.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): MEAS 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MACH 105
Sawing Operations
1
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You will select and mount blades, calculate blade lengths and perform sawing operations.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Prerequisites(s): MEAS 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MACH 122
CNC Basics
1
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You will study the principles and practices for programming and operating Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Prerequisites(s): MATH 104(concurrent), MEAS 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MACH 123
CNC Lathe
3
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You will create a computer numerical control (CNC) program to produce a project on the CNC lathe.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): MACH 122(concurrent), MACH 125(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MACH 124
CNC Mill
3
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You will create a computer numerical control (CNC) program to produce a project on the CNC mill.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): MACH 122(concurrent), MACH 129(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MACH 125
Lathe Operations 1
4
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You will study the lathe and basic lathe work holding, tool holding and operations, set up operation, maintain a lathe and perform facing, center drilling and turning operations.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): MEAS 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MACH 126
Lathe Operations 2
4
Show course details
You will study how to calculate speed and feed setting and set up a lathe to produce internal and external features. You will perform drilling and boring operations, internal and external grooving, knurling operations, parting operations, and basic tapering.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): MACH 125(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MACH 127
Lathe Operations 3
4
Show course details
You will study how to set up a lathe to produce internal and external screw threads. You will perform internal and external thread operations and measure screw threads.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): MACH 125(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MACH 128
Lathe Operations 4
3
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You will study how to set up lathe accessories including the steady rest, follower rest, and taper attachment. You will perform advanced tapering operations and produce mechanical features using these accessories.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): MACH 125(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MACH 129
Manual Milling Machine 1
4
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You will study how to set up, operate and maintain various milling machines and attachments. You will select shank mounted cutters and perform vertical and horizontal milling operations.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): MEAS 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MACH 130
Manual Milling Machine 2
4
Show course details
You will study how to set up, operate and maintain various milling machine accessories. You will select arbor mounted cutters and perform angular and indexing operations.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): MACH 129(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MATE 100
Materials Selection
1
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You will identify mechanical properties of materials and the effect they have on machinability. You will also learn how to identify and select various materials for machining processes.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MATH 104
Applied Mathematics
3
Show course details
You will solve practical problems using arithmetic, linear equations, geometry and right triangle trigonometry. You will manipulate and use some formulas related to your trade.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): MATH 182, MATH 193
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MEAS 100
Precision Measurement
3
Show course details
You will study how to select and maintain measuring tools. You will perform semi-precision, precision, and comparison measurements procedures.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
PRNT 100
Blueprint Reading
2
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You will study blueprint reading terminology and standards and interpret blueprints.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
SAFE 117
Safe Working Environment
1
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You will study the application of WHMIS in the Machinist trade. You will discuss the roles and responsibilities of employees and employers in the workplace.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): EMPS 102
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
THER 100
Heat Treatment Processes
1
Show course details
You will study and perform various heat treatment processes and hardness-testing procedures.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Prerequisites(s): MATE 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
WELD 102
Welding Operations
2
Show course details
You will operate welding equipment to perform welding operations including joining materials and metal cutting.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
WORK 100
Industrial Attachment
0
Show course details
You will study workplace and employer needs as you participate in a work placement.
Credit Units: 0
Course Hours: 40.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Work Experience - Group, Work Experience -Individual
Total semester credits: 65

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.


Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Additional Information

Program Head - Regina

Phil Ursulescu
306-775-7748

Program Head - Saskatoon

Emmet Jacklin
306-659-4637

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