Industrial Mechanic Foundation
| Type | Full Time |
|---|---|
| Length | 6 months or less |
| Campus | Prince George Mackenzie Quesnel Vanderhoof |
| Delivery | In Class |
| Fees* |
Estimated at $3,000
International Check fee schedule
*All fees are an estimate. |
| Starting Semesters | Fall 2027 Spring 2028 Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Spring 2026 |
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. Upon successful completion of the foundation program, students will receive a certificate.
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 SkilledTradesBC for Level 1 technical training in both Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) and Machinist. Once you are officially registered as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC, 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
Courses
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel, Vanderhoof |
Description
The Industrial Mechanic/ Machinist Foundation program combines classroom-based theory with hands on practical training in a shop setting. Skills learned in the program will provide students with skills to seek an apprenticeship in the Industrial Mechanic (millwright) or Machinist trade. Topics include: safety related functions, tools and equipment, routine trade activities, measuring and layout of work pieces, cutting and welding, refurbish components, drilling machines, power saws, lathes, milling machines, rigging hoisting/lifting and moving, and communication and mentoring techniques.Entry Requirements
Spring 2027 Intake and Onwards
For applications to the Spring 2027 intake (January start), you must meet the following requirements:
Note: WorkSafe BC regulations apply to all Trades programs; students are expected to adhere to these regulations. While in the shop, all students must wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the area in which they are working and follow the safe work procedure which applies to the task. This may include, but is not limited to CSA certified safety footwear, safety glasses, hearing protection, and any other PPE dictated by common sense and/or WorkSafe BC regulations. Students must be aware they are working in an industrial setting with potential hazards and remain aware of their surroundings at all times. If a safety concern is identified, you must report this to your instructor immediately.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our options.
Program Specific Recommendations
The following courses or their equivalent, with a minimum grade of "C":
- English Language Arts 10, or
- Foundations of Math 10 and Pre-Calculus 10, or Workplace Math 11, or
This course includes an off-site practical experience component. The scale of this component is dependent on the state of the local economy and community partnerships.
CTC Option
High school students may be eligible to take this program. See your school counsellor for details.
Limited admission
If there is room in the program, you will be accepted once you have met all the admission requirements. This is called “first qualified, first accepted”. If you qualify after the program is full, you will be put on a wait list.
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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 for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities or trades training job board.
