About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 1 Year Certificate
  • Campus: Welland
  • Code: 0754 P0754
  • Delivery Length: 1 Year
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Overview

Do you have an interest in becoming a skilled craftsperson with a career in a high-demand machining field?

As a General Machinist, you will have the ability to set up and operate a wide variety of precision metal cutting and grinding machines utilized in this growing sector of specialty machining industries.

Highlights
  • Program emphasis on building broad-based knowledge and critical problem-solving skills.

  • Access hands-on experiential learning opportunities in current, large-scale facilities and labs.

  • Strong job prospects due to a shortage of skilled machinists in the Niagara Region and across Ontario.

  • Program is continuously updated to meet current industry standards and enable students to develop highly relevant, market-ready skills.

Note: The official title for this program is Mechanical Techniques, which will appear on the credential that you receive when you graduate.

Career Opportunities
  • CNC operator
  • General machinist
  • Industrial millwright apprentice
  • Machine tool builder and integrator
  • Mould maker
  • Pattern maker
  • Quality control technician
  • Tool and die maker
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Courses

Term one (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
MATH1018 Applied Trade Calculations 3
DRFT1010 Mechanical Engineering Drawings 3
MECH1031 Machine Operations and Safety 5
MECH1032 Machining Fundamentals 5
MECH1033 Materials and Cutting Tools 3
MECH1034 Machine Shop Theory and Measurement 4
Term two (2026 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1125 Essentials of Workplace Communication 3
TECH1150 Health and Safety 3
MECH1035 Machine Operations 1 3
MECH1036 Machine Operations 2 3
MECH1037 Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operation 6
MECH1038 Machine Shop Theory 4
Learning Outcomes Term: 1254
  1. Complete all work in compliance with current legislation, standards, regulations and guidelines.

  2. Contribute to the application of quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.

  3. Comply with current health and safety legislation, as well as organizational practices and procedures.

  4. Support sustainability best practices in workplaces.

  5. Use current and emerging technologies to support the implementation of mechanical and manufacturing projects.

  6. Troubleshoot and solve standard mechanical problems by applying mathematics and fundamentals of mechanics.

  7. Contribute to the interpretation and preparation of mechanical drawings and other related technical documents.

  8. Perform routine technical measurements accurately using appropriate instruments and equipment.

  9. Assist in manufacturing, assembling, maintaining and repairing mechanical components according to required specifications.

  10. Select, use and maintain machinery, tools and equipment for the installation, manufacturing and repair of basic mechanical components.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
  • Mathematics – any Grade 11 (C), (U), or (M), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

  • Mathematics – any Grade 12 (C) or (U)
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology – Grade 11 (C) or (E) or Grade 12 (C) or (E)
  • Technological Design – Grade 11 (M) or Grade 12 (M)
Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Computer Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows-based desktop or laptop that meets or exceeds the following general requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop running on an updated Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended).
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory (note that 16 GB memory is strongly recommended).
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone, and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities. A minimum download speed of 10 – 50 Mbps is recommended.

Niagara College may not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications as provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: We do not provide support for Chromebooks or Apple products. (learn more)

Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.

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Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply
International Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.

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Tuition

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