Mechanical Technician - General Machinist (Optional Co-op)
Program details
Credential: 2-Year Ontario College DiplomaThis two-year diploma prepares students for entry into the precision machining skilled trade or related career in the manufacturing sector, including apprenticeship.
The curriculum includes the production, repair and modification of custom-made components as well as high-precision fitting and assembly techniques for complex components and special purpose machinery. In the final term, students specialize in advanced machining practices.
This program covers all learning outcomes for Level 1 and Level 2 of the apprenticeship program. Co-op students have an opportunity to be exempt from Level 1 before their co-op terms and graduates also have the opportunity to be exempt from Level 2 if they pursue a general machinist or tool making apprenticeship. Students do not need to be registered as apprentices to have an employer sponsor to participate in this program.
Graduates have gained knowledge in supporting technologies that influence parts manufacturing and the additional skills allowing them to adapt to evolving technology including computer-integrated manufacturing and machining practices.
Student availability & wage data
Conestoga College facilitates recruitment on an ongoing basis - there are no hard deadlines. Typical time frames for work terms are listed below.
Postings are accepted beginning four months before the start of a term until all students have secured employment provided the minimum 12 consecutive weeks of full-time work is met.
Work/Study Sequence
| Year | Fall (Sept - Dec) | Winter (Jan - Apr) | Spring (May - Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Classes | Classes | Work Term 1: $18-22 |
| Year 2 | Work Term 2: $18–22 | Classes | Classes |
Conestoga College collects data on hourly wages of co-operative education students and offers suggested ranges as a service to employers for the purpose of establishing fair and competitive compensation.
Our experience has been that employers increase wages as skills increase, particularly when employing students for more advanced work terms. The Co-operative Education Office can provide assistance to employers in establishing appropriate wage rates.
Work term capabilities
- Produce at rate comparable with a Year I Apprentice in all aspects of machining including saws, hand tools, drilling machines, lathes, milling machines, surface and cylindrical grinders
- Identify the physical, chemical and mechanical properties and describe the identification systems and heat treatment processes of ferrous, non-ferrous and non-metallic components
- Develop the ability to understand various types of blueprints, shop prints and schematics used in an industrial environment and capable of understanding and interpreting G D & T symbols
- Use applied technical math to solve shop related problems in both the Imperial system (inch) and Systems International (metric)
- Able to use both simple and complex measuring equipment to inspect, check and manufacture components in terms of size, surface quality, mechanical properties and conformance
- Familiar with Windows software including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and research capabilities
- Interpret and reference technical data charts and tables used in manufacturing environments
- Capable of working with a 2D CAD program (SolidWorks) to access or create detailed drawings
- Basic programming using FANUC G-code programming for CNC machining centres and CNC turning centres
- Select cutting tool materials to meet required applications, analyze and optimize cutting conditions
- Understand different manufacturing methods and machining processes associated with standard toolroom machinery and theoretical knowledge of additional diverse advanced machining techniques
- Demonstrate theoretical knowledge and practical experience to be integrated and perform in a fast-paced manufacturing setting as a productive member of the workforce with the willingness to learn and expand knowledge and practical expertise
- Familiar with generic WHMIS, lock-out and tag-out, shop hazards and fire emergency procedures
Sample job titles
- Apprentice Tool and Die/Tool Maker
- Apprentice General Machinist
- Machine Tool Builder Integrator Apprentice
- Mouldmaker Apprentice
- Practical Mechanical Technician
- CNC Operator
Post a co-op job now
Setup an account or login to Conestoga's MyCareer to post a job.
Contact information
Do you need help developing a recruitment plan or job posting, accessing wage information, or connecting with a talented co-op student? Contact:
Melissa Deneault
Employer Relations Consultant
Mdeneault@conestogac.on.ca
226-339-7953