Machinist

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.

The 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
Feb
10
Machining Madness
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Learn more about becoming a machinist. You'll participate in hands-on activities, learn more about the program, how to apply and student awards.
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).
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 title NOC classification
Computer numeric control (CNC) machinist Machinists & machining & tooling inspectors (72100)
Tool and die maker Tool & die makers (72101)

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.

2023-24 academic year 

$8,640

International students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

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

Phil Ursulescu
Program head
Regina campus

Emmet Jacklin
Program head
Saskatoon campus

Women in Trades and Technology