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Exploring Trades and Occupations

Conventional Machine Tool Machinists

On this page

  • Job description
  • Training and requirements
  • Main skills and characteristics
  • Personality profiles (RIASEC)
  • Additional information

Job description

These individuals set up and operate machines that cut various materials to make products and parts (milling machines, drills, etc.). They work in factories.

Environment

  • Controlled ambient temperature
  • Equipment, machinery, tools
  • Odours
  • Hazardous workplaces
  • Noise
  • Falling objects

Main tasks

  • Interpret drawings and plans.
  • Gather information on workpieces.
  • Determine optimal machining sequences.
  • Take precise measurements.
  • Draw and assemble parts.
  • Perform calculations and solve complex problems.
  • Check the quality of machined parts.
  • Maintain machine tools.
  • Choose the appropriate cutting tools.

Training and requirements

Formation

Most training programs are offered in French only.

College

DCS in mechanical Engineering Technology
Code : 241A0

Placement rate: 43.3%

53.4% of graduates pursue further studies

More on graduates’ employment situation

Sometimes required

  • Experience in manufacturing processes is often required.

WAP

This occupation is targeted by Workplace Apprenticeship Programs

  • Computer controlled machinist
  • Machinist Conventional Machine

Main skills and characteristics

Skills

  • Data collection
  • Information processing
  • Monitoring operations
  • Operations and control
  • Critical thought
  • Reading comprehension
  • Coordination
  • Active listening
  • Result evaluation
More Less skills

Abilities

  • Manual dexterity
  • Hand-arm stability
  • Digital dexterity
  • Control accuracy
  • Limb coordination
  • Near vision
  • Selective attention
  • Information organization
  • Awareness of issues
  • Reaction time
  • Visualization
  • Written comprehension
  • Oral comprehension
  • Verbal skills
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Inductive reasoning
  • Classification
  • Speed control
  • Speech recognition
More Less abilities

Knowledge and attributes

  • Capacity to work under pressure
  • Autonomy
  • Capacity to adapt
  • Capacity to work in a team
  • Rigour
  • Sense of observation
  • Commitment to quality
  • Timeliness
  • Knowledge of design
  • Knowledge of mechanics

Interests

  • Create, design
  • Work in computer science or information and communication technologies (ICT)
  • Make, build, install
  • Make technical plans and drawings
  • Conduct tests and trials, control processes

Personality profiles (RIASEC)

Realistic
People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
Investigative
People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
Enterprising
People with this profile prefer having responsibilities, influencing others and responding to challenges.
Additional information

Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors  (CNP 72100)

Skill type

Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

Related occupations

  • Machining tool operators
  • Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
  • Tool and die makers

See also

  • Glossary (PDF 229 Kb)
  • Québec emploi

Last update: January 29, 2026

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