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Industrial Mechanical

Gain expertise in installing, maintaining and repairing industrial machinery and equipment.

A man in protective eye goggles works on a small piece of mechanical equipment.
Start Date:
September
Typical Length:
1 Year
Credential:
Certificate

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Overview

This program equips you for the Industrial Mechanic trade, focusing on the mechanical equipment used in contemporary industrial plants.

Learn to install, maintain and repair essential machinery, interpret blueprints, manage the dismantling and relocation of stationary equipment, and work with power transmission, vacuum, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

You also gain proficiency in operating machine tools and welding equipment, essential skills for this trade.

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

  • This program was created in consultation with industry. You get the skills you need to succeed as an Industrial Mechanic.
  • You work alongside faculty who bring hands-on industry experience to the classroom.
  • This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

  • If you're chemically sensitive, it's important to note that chemicals (petroleum products), cutting fluids and lubricants are commonly used in the Industrial Mechanic trade.
  • Many employers in this industry 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
Institute of Technology Campus
Halifax
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Seats available

Admission requirements

Program requirements

  • Portfolio development – 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 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition (Domestic):
$3,620
Tuition (International):
$11,690

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.

Career options

  • Graduates work in manufacturing or processing plants, refineries, pulp and paper mills, mines, shipyards and in private maintenance and fabrication shops.
  • Learn more about labour market information. View career options

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 write the inter-provincial exam. A Red Seal allows certified tradespeople to practice the trade in any province or territory in Canada where the trade is designated.

     

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.

CADD 1000 - AutoCAD Level I
In this introduction to Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software, students gain knowledge in the use and principles of Computer Aided Drafting. The primary emphasis is the application of AutoCAD®, an industry-standard Computer Aided Drafting software program. Specific hardware used in the CAD environment is introduced and utilized.

INDR 1010 - Industry Readiness
A crucial component of trade practice is the ability to share information. Explaining work, applying trade skills and meeting industry standards involves communicating effectively. This course introduces these skills with a trade focus and will help prepare students to contribute to employment and in the classroom. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

INDR 1020 - Working Effectively in the Trades
Almost all trades professionals will need to work well with others. Students in this course will learn to be effective team members and adapt and analyze how they share information with others. A selection of activities relevant to the particular trade will be used to practice collecting, analyzing and using trade information. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

INME 1017 - Metallurgy
This course introduces the learners to the various ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their applications in this trade. Learners will select the proper material for the assigned project and will use different heat treatment methods (hardening, tempering, etc.) and test methods.

INME 1020 - Engineering Drawings
This course will provide the Learner with the basic skills needed to interpret engineering drawings. Learners will create their own sketches and drawings that will be used in the machining segments of the program.

INME 1036 - Introduction to Fluid Power
This course offers an introduction to the principles of fluid power and pneumatics and the physics involved in their operation. The course includes instruction in component design and operation (actuators, conductors, pump, etc.). With the use of symbology according to ISO and ANSI standards, the learners will design circuits, assemble components on student trainers and troubleshoot the designed system.

INME 1037 - Welding I
This course introduces the safety, equipment and procedures necessary to set up and use oxyfuel and electric arc welding equipment. Learners will have the opportunity to weld using the SMAW process and cut steel in a workshop setting.

INME 1038 - Welding II
This course provides instruction in the correct use and operation of MIG and TIG welding equipment with an emphasis on safety.

INME 1039 - Shop Tools
This course covers the various types and uses of shop tools and equipment. Learners will select, use, and maintain hand tools and fasteners. Learners will be required to demonstrate the safe operation and handling of all tools and fasteners.

INME 1040 - Power Tools and Drilling
The skills developed in this course are important in order to fabricate and repair parts. Material presents the theory and use of the common industrial mechanical machine tools such as power cut-off saws, band saws, grinders, and hand-held power tools and the safe methods of use for these machines and their attachments. Procedures covered will enable learners to adjust, repair and maintain these machines and their accessories. This course introduces the learner to safe use of various types of drilling machines (radial arm, upright, etc.) and procedures used to perform various operations on the drill presses (reaming, counter boring, countersinking, etc.).

INME 1041 - Measuring and Precision Machining
This introductory course provides basic knowledge of the use of precision and semi-precision measuring tools to ensure the proper installation and repair of equipment by utilizing these measuring tools and measuring practices. The basic mechanical systems and components will be covered and upon completion learners should be capable of machining components to specific tolerances.

INME 1042 - Applied Math
This course provides learners with the foundational mathematical skills upon which all further application of mathematical calculations, processes and concepts are based. Material builds skills including using powers and roots, understanding patterns and relations, and solving problems using shape and spatial sense.

INME 1043 - Precision Machining II
The learner will be introduced to the safe operation of milling machines (slotting, facing, use of a dividing head, etc.) and will use them to complete various shop projects.

INME 1044 - Rigging
This course covers the safe procedures for moving a piece of equipment or material. Learners will select the proper procedure by estimating the weight of the load, centre of gravity, and equipment availability.

INME 1045 - Introduction to Direct Drive Systems
This course introduces the most common forms of power transmission: belt drives, chain drives, and gear drives. Their components will be examined as well as their application to conveyor systems and drive lines.

INME 1046 - Introduction to Indirect Drive Systems
This course introduces types of prime movers and their applications. Bearings, both anti-friction and friction, will be demonstrated. Course material also covers the lubrication of drive systems.

INME 1100 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. 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 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

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 1022 - Safety Basics – Working at Heights
The student is introduced to hazards and responsibilities concerned with working at heights in the workplace. Guardrails, travel restraints, roof work, fall arrest components will be 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.

SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. 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.

WORK 1100 - Workplace Mentoring I
This unit of instruction is designed to assist learners in managing their learning as an apprentice in the workplace. Learners will study their own experiences with learning new skills and identify their own learning preferences as an aid to developing learning strategies.

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