Overview
Do you have an interest in understanding how industrial machinery works? Become an Industrial Mechanic with this foundation program. The Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)/Machinist Foundation program prepares you for two different trades:
- Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
- Machinist
As a millwright or a machinist, you will maintain, install, and repair stationary industrial equipment in factories, mills, mines, production plants, and recreational facilities. You will be skilled in utilizing lathes, milling machines, grinders, and other equipment to machine parts to accurate dimensions. As a millwright or mechanist, you will work in close association with instrument mechanics, pipefitters, welders, electricians, and heavy equipment mechanics.
Careers
Millwrights and machinists play an essential role in many industries. They are responsible for keeping stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in good repair. Industries in which industrial mechanics and machinists are critical include:
- Manufacturing & Packaging (everything from vehicles to plastics to food)
- Natural Resources (oil & gas, mines, pulp, plywood, sawmills, etc.)
- Recreation (ski hills, amusement parks)
- Transportation (airports, terminals)
Millwrights and machinists might work indoors in a shop or plant, outdoors where equipment is being used, or a combination of both.
What you will learn
In this hands-on program you will spend approximately 50% of your time in the classroom and 50% in the shop. You will have many opportunities to learn practical skills. Topics covered include:
- Safe work practices
- Lubrication systems and components
- Anchoring, leveling and grouting
- Coupling and shaft alignment
- Mechanical drawings and specifications
- Layout and fabrication
- Welding
- Rigging, hoisting and lifting
- Hydraulic systems
- Pump maintenance and operation
Become an Apprentice
This foundation program will provide entry level practical skills and academic knowledge to prepare you to begin the apprenticeship pathway as either a millwright or machinist. You do not need an employer sponsor to participate. In fact, one of the main reasons to complete a foundation program is to gain experience and familiarity with the trade, giving you a competitive advantage to finding an employer to hire you as their apprentice.
Upon successful completion of the foundation program, you will receive credit with the BC Industry Training Authority (ITA) for Level 1 technical training in both Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) and Machinist. Once you are officially registered as an apprentice with ITA, you will then be able to complete the work based training hours (on the job training) and higher levels of apprenticeship training for your chosen trade.
Apprenticeship programs provide a unique approach to post-secondary education, combining classroom based learning (known as technical training) with on the job training. This enables you to “earn while you learn,” significantly reducing the need for student debt and building your career NOW, instead of waiting until you’ve completed your education.
Governing bodies
Industrial Mechanic Courses
The activities of an industrial mechanic (millwright)/machinist include maintenance, installation, and repair of stationary industrial equipment in factories, mills, mines, production plants, and recreational facilities. These skilled tradespeople also use lathes, milling machines, grinders, and other equipment to machine parts to accurate dimensions. Because they work in close association with instrument mechanics, pipefitters, welders, electricians, and heavy equipment mechanics, they need to be team players.
Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)/ Machinist: Program Outline
| COURSE CODE |
COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2023 |
Prince George |
In Class |
24 weeks |
| Spring 2024 |
Quesnel |
In Class |
Feb 5 - July 19, 2024 |
| Fall 2024 |
Prince George |
In Class |
24 weeks |
| Spring 2025 |
Quesnel |
In Class |
24 weeks |
Entry Requirements
The admission requirements mentioned below are the minimum requirements.
- Successful completion of English 10, or English 030, or Communications 11 or equivalent
- Successful completion of Foundations Math and Pre-Calculus 10 or Math 030; or a "C" or higher grade in one of the following: Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 11 or Trades Math 041
Students who do not meet the above requirement, and think they may be admissible as a mature student should consult a CNC counsellor/advisor.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
CTC Option
High school students may be eligible to take this program. See your school counsellor for details.
Selective admission
A program for which seats are filled based on approved selection criteria. Such criteria may include, but are not limited to, assessment, portfolio submissions, interviews and grade point average. Meeting the minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance to the program.
Selection process
Students are encouraged to submit a resumé and handwritten statement indicating reasons for wishing to enter the program as well as complete two pre-Trades evaluations: a test of mechanical reasoning skills, and the College English/Math Achievement Test (EMAT). Both of these items are included in the selection criteria listed below and will be awarded points.
If the program is over-subscribed, students will be selected based on the selection criteria listed below:
- The letter grade for English 10, English 030 or Communications 11 or equivalent will contribute its actual points to the selection process: e.g., “A” = 4.0, “B+” = 3.33, etc.
- The letter grade for Foundations of Math and Pre-Calculus 10, Math 030, Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 10 or equivalent, will contribute its actual points to the selection process: e.g., “A” = 4.0, “B+” = 3.33, etc.
- Credit in Physics 11 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or higher will be awarded 4 points.
- The mechanical reasoning portion of the Student Readiness Assessment will be awarded a maximum of 5 points.
- The English portion of the Student Readiness Assessment will be awarded a maximum of 1 point.
- The Math portion of the Student Readiness Assessment will be awarded a maximum of 1 point.
- Credit in one or more trades-related courses at the Grade 12 level with a grade of “B” or higher, or successful completion of any foundation-level trades training program or documented experience of one year in a trade will be awarded 3 points.
- Credit in any of the following: English 11, Principles of Math 11, or equivalent, or Trades Math 041 and Trades Math 042 with a “C” grade or higher will be awarded 3 points.
- Credit for submitting a resumé and personal handwritten statement indicating their reasons for wishing to enter this program will be awarded a maximum of 3 points.
Maximum points = 28
High school graduation with English 12, Math 11 and Physics 11 (where applicable) is recommended and required by some employers in order to be indentured as an apprentice.
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $3,000.
- Tuition: $1,900
- Student fees: $658
- Medical/Dental Fee (Fall semester only): $260
- Tool Deposit: $200 (Refundable)
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Costs may change without notice. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.