A Career in the Machining Trade Awaits!
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 Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software and specialty aerospace industry materials to develop and build the products of tomorrow. Many Machinists of today can be found transferring complex mechanical engineering drawings from the computer screen to computerized machinery. A machinist can often be seen moving between the computer screen and the milling machine.
Summary of Programs
The BCIT Machinist Foundation or CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Technician programs provide you with the skills you need to start an exciting career in manufacturing. In today’s high-tech world of modern conveniences and instant gratification, many people don’t know how sophisticated and challenging the manufacturing industry has become, even though they use its products every day.
Basic theory and related information along with hands-on shop practice will enable students to become competent in the basic operations needed to make industrial parts and components. Graduates of the Machinist Foundation program are eligible for credit toward the first level of apprenticeship technical training in the machinist apprenticeship program.
The machinist apprenticeship process requires time spent on the job and in-school training. A machinist trainee must complete a four-year program including 6,600 workplace hours and 600 in-school hours of training. After completion of training, a passing grade on the interprovincial exam will result in the BC Certificate of Apprenticeship, the BC Certificate of Qualification, and the Interprovincial Standard Endorsement, also known as Red Seal.
BCIT offers all four years of technical training for the machinist apprenticeship.
You will learn through theory and hands-on practical applications in our 25,000 square foot shop.
Some of the theory covered includes:
- Types of metal
- How to cut and machine steel
- Precision measuring and inspection
- Interpretation of Engineered Drawings
- Gears, threads and fasteners
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
Our shop is equipped with traditional and state-of-the-art machine tools:
- Industrial metal lathes
- Industrial milling machines
- Precision surface grinders and cylindrical grinders
- EDM – Electrical Discharge Machines
- CNC – Computer Numerical Control Machine Center
- CNC – Computer Numerical Control Turning Center
- CMM – Coordinate Measuring Machine
- CAD/CAM Lab
Computer Numerical Control – CNC Operator training is available as a BCIT Flexible Learning (formerly Part-time Studies) program for those who wish to upgrade their skills in CNC. The training is designed for machinists and other trades-persons who wish to upgrade their skills in the operation, IG coding and conventional programming of CNC equipment.
Explore the machinist programs above, and get started in the one that best meets your needs!
