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Machine Shop


Location(s):  Regina    Saskatoon   

Machine Shop is a certificate program. It provides knowledge and skill development in maintaining machinery and manufacturing and developing equipment. You will learn how to use basic hand tools and measuring devices used in the machinist trade. You will also learn how to set up and safely operate standard machine tools (e.g., lathes, drill presses, milling machines, shapers and grinders).

Length: 34 weeks


Why my job is so rewarding...

Career Opportunities

Many large firms employ machinists. Other firms rely on the services of machinists who work in general machine shops.

Graduates may find employment in manufacturing industries, equipment repair shops, custom machine shops, steel mills, metal fabrication plants, power generating plants, food processing plants, mines, welding repair shops, automotive engine rebuilding shops and machine manufacturing companies.

Trade time and academic credit may be available for graduates who find employment in the trade and register as apprentices. Please contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) for further information.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.


Program Details

Start Date(s): September

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Admission Requirements



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.



ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

65Arithmetic
55Elementary Algebra
65Reading
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
      Work Experience

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.





Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Find out more about transfer credit options.



  • BESK 100    Benchwork
  • You will perform operations using hand power tools and hand cutting tools in order to layout, file, thread and fit assemblies together.

    8.0 Credit Units
    120.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • COMM 106    Applied Communications
  • You will learn basic job search skills.

    1.0 Credit Units
    16.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 127    COMM 189    TCOM 102   


  • DRAW 100    Technical Drawing
  • You will learn how to use various drawing instruments to produce drawings and sketches for parts production.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   DRFT 191   


  • EMPS 102    Work Environment Skills
  • Your studies will focus on safe working practices. You will receive an introduction to WHMIS and Occupational Health and Safety.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • MACH 100    Computer Numerical Control
  • The course provides an introduction to the principles and practices for programming and operating Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools. You will have the opportunity to write and run a CNC program for a lathe and a milling machine.

    5.0 Credit Units
    78.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • MACH 101    Drilling Machine Operations
  • You will learn how to set up, operate and maintain various drilling machines. The course content includes drilling, reaming, tapping and boring operations.

    4.0 Credit Units
    65.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • MACH 102    Grinding Operations
  • You will learn how to set up, operate, and maintain various grinding machines. The course content includes selecting, mounting and balancing grinding wheels, feed rates and speeds.

    4.0 Credit Units
    55.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • MACH 103    Lathe Operations
  • You will learn how to set up, operate, and maintain a lathe. The course content includes turning, boring, drilling, taper turning, internal/external threading operations, feed rates and speeds.

    15.0 Credit Units
    225.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • MACH 104    Milling Machine Operations
  • You will learn how to set up, operate and maintain various milling machines and attachments. The course content includes selecting tools, holders, feed rates and speeds for various cutter and material applications.

    11.0 Credit Units
    160.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • MACH 105    Sawing Operations
  • You will learn how to set up, operate, and maintain various cut-off machines. The course content includes selecting cutting blades and calculating cutting speeds.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • MATE 100    Materials Selection
  • Your studies will focus on identifying the mechanical properties of different materials and the effect they have on machinability. You will also learn how to identify, select and use various materials in machining processes covered.

    1.0 Credit Units
    16.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • MATH 104    Applied Mathematics
  • After reviewing basic mathematics, you will receive an introduction to mathematical concepts that support applications made in machine shop work.

    3.0 Credit Units
    50.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   MATH 182    MATH 193   


  • MEAS 100    Precision Measurement
  • You will learn how to select appropriate measuring tools and perform accurate measurements.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • PRNT 100    Blueprint Reading
  • The course content includes reading and interpreting blueprints.

    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • THER 100    Heat Treatment Processes
  • You will perform various heat treatment processes and hardness testing procedures.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • WELD 102    Welding Operations
  • You will operate various types of welding equipment to perform welding operations including brazing, joining materials and metal cutting.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • WORK 100    Industrial Attachment
  • To enhance your understanding of workplace and employer needs, you will participate in a work placement.

    0.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Work Experience -Individual, Work Experience - Group



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