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This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Machinists

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts and tables or study sample parts to determine machining operation to be performed, and plan best sequence of operations
• Compute dimensions and tolerances and measure and lay out work pieces
• Set up, operate and maintain a variety of machine tools including computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools to perform precision, non-repetitive machining operations such as sawing, turning, milling, boring, planing, drilling, precision grinding and other operations
• Fit and assemble machined metal parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools
• Verify dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments
• May set up and program machine tools for use by machining tool operators.

Machining and tooling inspectors

• Verify dimensions of machined parts or tooling using micrometers, verniers, callipers, height gauges, optical comparators, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM) or other specialized measuring instruments
• Maintain, repair and calibrate precision measuring instruments such as dial indicators, fixed gauges, height gauges and other measuring devices
• Report deviations from specifications and tolerances to supervisor
• Complete and maintain inspection reports.

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience and industry courses in machining may be required for trade certification.
• Trade certification for machinists is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories.
• Trade certification for tool and gauge inspectors is available, but voluntary, in Ontario.
• Trade certification for machinists (CNC) is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba.
• Several years of experience as a machinist, tool and die maker or machining tool operator may be required for machining and tooling inspectors.
• Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified machinists upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

• Familiarity with exotic and composite materials may be required for machinists in aviation and other advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
• The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.

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• Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations (7201)
• Machining tool operators (9417)
• Tool and die makers (7232)