Pre-Employment Machinist

New Program!

Credential:: certificate More info on program credentials
Program length:: 12 weeks Learn more about program length
Location:: In person (Main Campus) More info on program location
International applicant info:: Not Accepted | CIP: 48.0501 Learn more about international applicant eligibility
Faculty:: School of Manufacturing & Automation

Credit credentials

A credit credential includes courses with post-secondary credit applied.

These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

Bachelor Degree

SAIT has bachelor's degree programs in business, construction, and hospitality and tourism management.

Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

SAIT's full-time applied degree programs involve one year of study through classes and lab work followed by one year of directed studies in a workplace setting. This builds on the completion of a recognized two-year diploma, which you must have to be admitted to an applied degree program.

You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

Diploma

At SAIT, over 40 full-time diploma programs cover a broad range of areas, from aircraft maintenance to travel and tourism.

Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

Certificate

SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

A certified journeyperson is recognized as a qualified and skilled person in a trade and is entitled to the wages and benefits associated with that trade. You must complete all apprenticeship periods and pass the exams to earn a journeyperson designation.

Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Overview

Embark on a fulfilling career as a machinist, playing a pivotal role in manufacturing and repairing parts and components critical to industries such as manufacturing, transportation, energy and healthcare.

This comprehensive 12-week Pre-employment Machinist program combines hands-on shop experience with theoretical knowledge curated by industry experts to address the unique demands of manufacturing environments.

In this program, you will:

receive rigorous training in standard safety protocols
master the mathematical concepts and calculations essential for precision machining
learn to operate computer numerical control (CNC) machines, understand programming and execution
gain proficiency in using lathes for cutting, sanding, drilling, facing and turning
acquire skills in operating drill presses for producing accurate holes in metal
learn milling, grinding and other machining techniques.

Once you graduate, you'll possess the foundational skills to gain employment and register as an apprentice, positioning you ahead in the competitive field of machining.

With this program, you're not just learning a trade - you're setting the stage for a career as a machinist.

Machinists tend to be objective, innovative and methodical.

You need:

mechanical aptitude
critical thinking and problem-solving skills
the ability to use your hands skillfully and quickly
the ability to estimate and measure sizes and distances accurately
the ability to work alone on tasks that require concentration and physical effort.

You should enjoy doing creative work with machinery that requires a high degree of skill and precision.

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training's (AIT) Machinist curriculum.

Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam.

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT's Machinist apprenticeship program beginning in period two.

Graduates are also eligible to receive course credit for all first-semester classes in our Machinist Technology diploma program.

Upon successful completion of this program, you'll receive a SAIT Pre-Employment Machinist certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72100, 72010, 72101.

Career planning support

Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.

You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.

Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.

Take our career finder quiz

Courses

The Pre-Employment Machinist certificate requires credits (13.5 courses) to complete.

Course	Credits
This course introduces you to the fundamentals of reading manufacturing blueprints, including sketching and dimensioning objects in an orthographic projection. You'll explore isometric drawings and sections, and you'll interpret machine shop drawings containing applied print reading terminology. You'll also examine the use of manufacturing symbols, assembly drawings, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. Finally, you'll learn how computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is used for turning, and you'll describe the use of fasteners and locking devices.	1.5
Provides the learner with the opportunities to develop skills in the safe and efficient use of hand tools for measurement, layout, metal cutting and assembly work. Learners will also operate pedestal grinders, drilling machines, power saws, engine lathes, drilling machines and milling machines. Basic heat treatment will also be included. Also, this course introduces safe working habits while working with and around oxy-fuel gas cutting and welding processes.	3
This course introduces you to the fundamental theory you'll need to work safely and effectively as a machinist. You'll begin by examining important safety regulations, as well as procedures for working with hazardous materials, and for climbing, lifting, rigging and hoisting. You'll examine taper systems, screw threads and measuring tools, as well as the lubricants and cutting fluids used in the trade. You'll also explore the types and operating procedures of a variety of tools and equipment, including oxy-fuel tools, hand tools, layout tools, drills, drilling machines, power saws, lathes and grinders.	3
This course introduces you to the fundamental mathematical principles that you will need to meet the requirements of your program. You'll explore the trade applications of whole numbers, fractions and decimals, as well as metric and imperial conversion and geometric problems. You'll perform algebraic operations and use ratios, proportions and percentages to solve trade-related problems.	1.5
In this course, you'll learn how to manually program and safely operate computer numerical control (CNC) turning centres, including using control panel functions, performing system setup and manipulating offsets. You'll also get hands-on experience building and executing a series of lathe profiles to meet specifications.	3
In this course, you'll learn the basic theory necessary to operate computer numerical control (CNC) turning centres. You'll explore the safety procedures, basic concepts and applications of CNC machines, as well as the purpose of co-ordinate and reference points used for CNC machining. You'll analyze the structure of the CNC format and code structure and you'll execute and verify manual programs. Finally, you'll examine CNC turning machine setups and offsets.	1.5

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

at least 50% in Math 20-1, Math 20-2 or Math 20-3, and
at least 50% in English Arts 20-1 or English Arts 20-2, and
at least 50% in Science 10.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade

English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).

If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.

Available intakes

Fall 2025

Start dates:

Sep 02, 2025

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: June 30, 2025

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	0.5*	$7,006.50	$159	$7,165.50
Total cost:				$7,165.50

_{*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.}

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can't find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they're still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

A breakdown of mandatory fees based on whether you are taking less than or more than nine credits per semester
SAIT fees	Less than 9 credits/semester	9 or more credits/semester
Campus athletic and recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.	$51.50	$103
Student support fee: supports services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including Career Advancement Services and Student Development and Counselling.	$53.75	$107.50
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance your experience.	$53.75	$107.50
UPass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Additional eligibility requirements apply to obtain a UPass.	n/a	$165
Saitsa fees
Saitsa fee: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of various student services, activities, and programming. Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.	$16.23/credit	$146 maximum
Health and dental plan: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits. In most cases, your fees are quoted based on paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt-out.	n/a	$91 for health $84 for dental

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the ma.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal.

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

What sets SAIT apart
An introduction to the program and area of study
Admission requirements
Future career paths
Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Manufacturing and Automation Advising

Phone: 403.284.8641
Email: ma.info@sait.ca

a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Visit Natoysopoyiis Resource Centre

Pre-Employment Machinist

On this page:

Overview