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CNC Machining at a Glance

$68,402
Average salary
4,300
Employed in Alberta
1,560
Required apprenticeship hours
79
New positions projected each year

CNC Machining

CNC Machinists work with Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) heavy machinery to produce parts and tools from metal, plastic or other materials. Machinists manufacture components for a variety of industries including oil and gas, mining, forestry, construction and transportation. 

CNC Machinists are responsible for the setup and operation of this heavy machinery and are in control of the speed, path, and material feed when making a finished product. During your studies, you will learn conventional machining techniques to operate drill presses, lathes, milling machines and grinding machines. You will also be introduced to CAD/CAM, inspection and quality control standards.
Upon completion of a post-secondary program, you will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training. CNC Machining is a Red Seal Endorsed trade, allowing you to work anywhere across Canada.

Potential Careers

  • CNC Operator
  • CNC Programmer
  • Tool Designer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Quality Engineer

My favourite part of competing is getting exposure to trades at a young age, and putting my name out there in the machining trade.

Warren Ference, Team Alberta 2019