Overview

Manufacturing in Canada is increasingly automated, requiring workers who are up to date in digital technical skills. Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine tools are used to manufacture a variety of parts and products across numerous industries to increase accuracy and precision, and eliminate errors.

Workers in the field use multiple machine types, including: drills, lathes, presses and other hardware that shapes metals and plastics into finished products. Operators must understand how to read blueprints before setting up CNC machines, loading materials or measuring and adjusting settings. MasterCam software is the most common program in use to convert CAD designs into machining instructions for automated parts creation by CNC machines.

This program provides students with skills and knowledge in Math, Blueprint Reading, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM).

Career Opportunities

Programming skills together with practical machining experience, provide graduates with potential employment as CNC programmers within a wide variety of industrial facilities that rely on flexible manufacturing systems. Smaller companies often require individuals with a combination of programming and operating skills. CNC mills and lathes are used extensively in the manufacturing of moulds and press tools. People with CNC skills are needed in most geographic regions of Canada.

Some common job titles in this field include:

CNC Programmer
Responsible for writing instructions used to run CNC machines and determining equipment settings according to product specifications.

CNC and Machine tool operators
Responsible for set up and operation of metal and plastic cutting, grinding, milling and lathing machines

Machining and tooling inspectors
Responsible for inspecting machined parts and tools to maintain quality control standards.

Metalworking and forging machine operators
Responsible for operating metalworking machines which shape and form sheetmetal, steel or other materials into parts or products.

Manufacturing industry sectors employing CNC operators include:

• automotive and transportation equipment
• aircraft and aerospace
• biomedical devices
• heavy machinery
• oil, gas and nuclear energy
• shipbuilding
• printing
• structural steel, boiler and platework

For more information on careers in the field, please visit:

• Canadian Tooling and Machining Association
• Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association
• Canadian Association of Mold Makers
• Canadian Manufacturing Coalition
• Canadian Machine Tool Distributors Association
• Society of Manufacturing Engineers (Canada)

Entry Requirements

Students without CNC experience should complete Seneca's Machine Shop certificate.

All students should have familiarity with the Windows operating system (Win 9x, Win NT, Windows XP or Windows Vista).

Students are responsible for ensuring they meet all course pre-requisites as stated in the course description, as knowledge of the pre-requisite material is assumed by the instructor.

Curriculum

Note: Material fees are non-refundable.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all five (5) of the courses in this program, students will be able to:

• Program CNC controlled milling machines and lathes using common 'G' codes and miscellaneous functions;
• Construct 2D and 3D geometry using MasterCam software;
• Generate toolpaths using MasterCam CAM software;
• Post-process toolpaths to create codes for both CNC milling and turning centres.

Credit for Prior Learning

Prior Learning Assessment

Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.

How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews, demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program Coordinator.

The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.

Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.

Transfer Credit

Many students who enter Seneca Polytechnic will have earned academic credits in post-secondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca College program.

Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.

Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.

More Information

Please visit the Office of the Registrar.

Completion

Recognition of Achievement

Upon successful completion of the program requirements, please submit a Request for Recognition of Achievement Form to the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training. There is no cost for this and your Recognition of Achievement will be sent to you electronically.

Program Contacts

Cherry Langlois
Program Assistant
Cherry.Langlois@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0716

Jacqueline Bar
Academic Program Manager
Jacqueline.Bar@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0984

For more information about this program, fill out the following form.