Occupation
CNC machinist
CNC machinists produce precision metal and plastic parts on computer-controlled lathes, mills, and grinders. They read engineering drawings, set the machine and tooling, prove out the program, and inspect the result against tight tolerances. Much of the craft is in workholding, tool selection, and knowing how a material behaves as it is cut.
Also known as: Machinist · CNC operator · Precision machinist · Machine tool operator · Engineering craft machinist
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Occupation content
Part of Manufacturing, production and quality
A visual day in the work
What the work involves
Interpret engineering drawings, geometric tolerances, and surface finish callouts
Set workholding, load tooling, and establish work offsets before proving out a program
Edit program values at the control to correct dimensions and compensate for tool wear
Measure features with micrometers, verniers, gauges, and coordinate measuring equipment
Record inspection results and quarantine parts that fall outside tolerance
Maintain machines, coolant, and tooling and report faults that need a technician
Entry-route stepper
How people commonly enter
An apprenticeship in machining, precision engineering, or the machinist trade
A college certificate or diploma in machining, CNC, or precision manufacturing technology
Entry as a machine operator with structured progression into setting and programming
Employer-run training combined with voluntary trade certification where it is available
Typical training: Apprenticeship
Licensing: Certification common, not usually required
Pathways: Apprenticeship route
Work-context map
Typical work context
- Lab or workshop
- Team based
- Shift work
- Quiet focus
- Physically active
Lab or workshop · Team based · Shift work · Quiet focus · Physically active
Related interests
- Realistic (hands-on)
- Investigative (analytical)
- Conventional (organizing)
Realistic (hands-on) · Investigative (analytical) · Conventional (organizing)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Manufacturing, production and quality.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
O*NET OnLine: occupation search: machinist
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UK National Careers Service: CNC machinist
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Red Seal Program: Designated Red Seal trades
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Manufacturing, production and quality in Canada, not a figure for CNC machinist. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Manufacturing, production and quality family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Manufacturing, production and quality: education pathways
Some roles in Manufacturing, production and quality may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Manufacturing, production and quality: licensing
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