CNC Machining

Overview

• Using CNC machining lathes and mills
• Programming, designing and solving mechanical issues using state-of-the-art technology
• Understanding the latest technological advancements in manufacturing
• Interpreting engineering drawings
• Applying geometric dimensioning and computer aided design and manufacturing software
• Using and analyzing documentation for quality assurance

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• Learn from expert faculty who apply their industry expertise to the classroom.
• Experience hands-on learning while training with industry grade tools and equipment.
• Learn and practise industry safety standards to prepare you for your career in CNC machining. 
• Completion of the CNC Machining Diploma program is an additional step toward Red Seal Certification.

Other info

• Many employers in this industry could require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.
  

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist

Admission requirements

• Completion of one-year Precision Machining certificate or equivalent, or
• Completion of Level 1 Machinist Apprenticeship, or
• Completion of Marine Engineering Technician trade through the Canadian Armed Forces
  • International students – High School Diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.
  

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2025-26 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• CNC Machining

Career options

• Qualified CNC machinists are in demand in Nova Scotia. Graduates are prepared to work in a range of industries, including but not limited to: 
  • Machine shops
  • Machinery
  • Equipment
  • Motor vehicle
  • Automotive parts
  • Aircraft
  • Metal products manufacturing

Future study options

• Graduates may register as an apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) once employed. Apprenticeship is an optional but beneficial journey that combines on-the-job learning with technical training.
• Red Seal Endorsement - individuals who complete an apprenticeship program are eligible to challenge the inter-provincial exam. A Red Seal allows a certified tradespersons to practise the trade in any province or territory in Canada, where the trade is designated.
  • Find out more about the Machinist trade.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

CNCM 1011 - Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
This course introduces the fundamentals of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), a system employed by industry. This course will provide learners with the skills to interpret and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing to engineering drawings. Learners will also understand new terminology, definitions and terms from the Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Standard (ASME Y14.5M-2018) and apply the symbols to a CAD basic blueprint drawing.

CNCM 1012 - CNC Machining Centre I
This course teaches a full range of skills necessary to produce parts on a CNC machining center: verifying the work holding equipment is ready, setting the work coordinate and tool offsets, calculating feeds and speeds, writing the part program, machining the part and then optimizing the program for the shortest cycle time. Using a hands-on approach, the course offers learners the opportunity to build their knowledge of production setup and completion as well as G-code programs, also known as manual programming.

CNCM 1013 - CNC Turning Centre I
This course teaches a full range of skills necessary to produce parts on a CNC turning center: verifying the work holding equipment is ready, setting the work coordinate and tool offsets, calculating feeds and speeds, writing the part program, machining the part and then optimizing the program for the shortest cycle time. Using a hands-on approach, the course offers learners the opportunity to build their knowledge of production setup and completion as well as G-code programs, also known as manual programming.

CNCM 1014 - Planning and Inspection
Documentation and inspection of parts is required in the industry to support quality control. In this course, Learners will plan and document procedures to bring a CNC process from startup to finished production. Learners will also perform part inspections during and after part manufacturing to meet the drawing requirements.

CNCM 1015 - CAD CAM I
The fundamentals of graphical communications are a necessary background for those employed in manufacturing. Blueprint reading and CAD generation of single and multi-view drawings are an important skill to be developed by the technician and are used extensively in the industrial environment. This course provides an introduction to computer-aided drafting (CAD) techniques as applied to the field of manufacturing technology. Learners will have the opportunity to develop basic 2-D CAD CAM drafting skills. Learners will create and edit part programs used in CNC manufacturing.

CNCM 1100 - Work Experience - CNCM

CNCM 2011 - CMM Inspection / Lean Manufacturing
Precision and productivity are critical in the profitability of manufacturing. Coordinate measuring machines are able to inspect the geometries of machined parts using a probing system to detect discreet points on the surfaces of objects as a tool for quality control. This course offers learners the opportunity to set up and use CMM equipment. The course also provides an overview of lean manufacturing and its role in modern manufacturing.

CNCM 2012 - CNC Machining Centre II
This course builds upon the knowledge and skills gained in CNC Machining Center I. Using a hands-on approach, the course offers learners the opportunity to use advanced machine features and tooling for more complex manufacturing.

CNCM 2013 - CNC Turning Centre II
This course offers learners the opportunity to further their knowledge of production setup and completion using more advanced machine functions and tooling. Course delivery uses a hands-on project-based approach.

CNCM 2015 - CAD CAM II
Computer aided manufacture allows the manufacturing industry to create products with a high degree of accuracy and precision. This course presents advanced computer-aided drafting (CAD CAM) techniques in the field of manufacturing technology. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills using 3-D CAD CAM drafting skills. Learners will create and edit part programs used in CNC manufacturing.

MACD 3100 - Work Experience II
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the machining and manufacturing industry. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.