Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts or products with precise dimensions.

Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards.

To be a machinist you usually need a high school diploma.

To gain trade certification, you must either complete a four-year apprenticeship program or have a combination of over four years' work experience and some college or industry courses in machining.

Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories; trade certification for automotive machinists is available, but voluntary in Ontario; trade certification for machinists (CNC) is available, but voluntary in New Brunswick.

Qualified machinists may also obtain interprovincial (Red Seal) trade certification, which provides job mobility throughout the country.

With experience, you may move up the ranks to become a supervisor.

Many recent entrants have a trade/vocational certificate.