FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS CNCMF-CT CNC Machinist Technician

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Overview

  • One year certificate
  • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg
  • September entry date
  • Credit transfer opportunities: high school credits, credit toward apprenticeship and credit toward diploma
  • International applicants please visit Academic Program, Dates and Fees for a listing of programs for international students, current availability and online application instructions.

Description

Prepare for a career as a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machinist or general machinist.  Learn to set up and operate CNC and manual metal cutting machines, interpret engineering drawings, apply geometric dimensioning and use CAD software.

Graduates will be competent in the following:

  • Applying safe and correct practices when handling tools and equipment
  • Setting up and safely operating manual milling machines, lathes, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining and turning centers
  • Interpreting engineering drawings
  • Applying geometric dimensioning to verify component parts
  • Using basic Computer Aided Design (CAD) software

Studies consist of theory and practical training.

Graduates of the program may find career opportunities as CNC operators or machinist apprentices in a wide variety of industries including:

  • Aerospace
  • Medical research
  • General manufacturing
  • Repair
  • Mining
  • Transportation manufacturing
  • Research and development

Admission Requirements

Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

  • Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
  • Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
  • Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.

Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Grade 12
    • Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit in each of the following:
      • Grade 12 English (40S - English Transactional Focus 40S is recommended)
      • Grade 12 Math (40S)
      • Science is not required but is recommended
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
  2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
    • Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
      Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
      • If YES, you meet English language requirements.  Apply and then submit your transcripts* for review
        or
      • If NO, submit proof of meeting an ELRs option.  If you choose the English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
        or 
      • If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not graduate high school, submit your transcripts* for review. 
    • * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.

Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

  1. Grade 11
    • High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in Grade 11, including one credit in each of the following:
      • Grade 11 English (30S)
      • Grade 11 Math (30S)
      • Science is not required but is recommended
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
  2. Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2

English Language Assessments

English Language AssessmentMinimum Required Levels
L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - WritingLSRW
AEPUCE (Academic English Program of University and College Entrance )
Requirement: Submission of a parchment (certificate) indicating successful completion of the AEPUCE program, including language levels achieved if available.
8787
CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language)
60506060
CLB (LINC) (Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
8787
Duolingo (Duolingo English Test)

* MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED.

There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W.

Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted.

0*0*0*0*
IELTS - Academic (International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants
6.56.06.56.0
LSI (Language Studies International)
6.56.56.56.5
PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English)
58505850
Password Skills (An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room. Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor. If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
6.56.06.56.0
Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
6.56.06.56.0
TOEFL-iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas.
20181921

Who Should Enrol?

Students considering this program should have an interest in mechanical equipment and enjoy making things. Good eyesight (with corrected vision if required), manual dexterity, and physical fitness (including the ability to stand for extended periods) are necessary as well. Students with physical disabilities, when considering application to this program, should contact the College to have a personal assessment.

If you want to influence how things in your world are made, then CNC Machinist Technician is for you!

Locations, Dates and Fees

Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

Location Start Date Apply Link
Notre Dame Campus Aug 25, 2025 Apply Now

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 1
$6,733.00
Books and Supplies
Year 1
$1,100.00
Program/Student Fees (International)
Year 1
$19,078.00

Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.

Courses and Descriptions

(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
COMM-1173Communication StrategiesRPL
More Information

Everyone communicates, but are they doing it well? Communicative competence takes practice and self-awareness. In this foundational course, students will learn through discovery and project-based activities to practice approaching situations critically and collaboratively. By developing their communication skills, students will improve their interpersonal ability, intercultural competence, and digital fluency to prepare for success in the workplace and beyond. The strategies students will gain in this course will be useful throughout their program and in their chosen industry. 

MANU-1049Milling Machine Operations 1
More Information

Students will learn the basics of manual milling machine operation. Students will produce basic projects by using a variety of milling operations and working to tolerances typically found in industry. Students will also learn to calculate spindle speeds and feed rates for various operations.

Prerequisites:
MANU-1050Lathe Operations 1
More Information

Students will learn the basics of manual lathe operation. Students will produce basic projects containing internal and external features and working to tolerances typically found in industry. Students will also learn to perform calculations for screw threads and spindle speeds.

Prerequisites:
MANU-1053Interpreting Engineering Drawings
More Information

In this course, students will be provided with an understanding of trade-related print reading skills and will learn to correctly calculate and interpret information from production drawings. Conventional drafting and sketching techniques, object representation, and symbol applications as they relate to the interpretation and understanding of working drawings and specifications will be covered.

MANU-1054Intro to CNC Machines
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Students will learn concepts related to the operation and function of Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines, types of CNC machines, construction and axis designation. Students will have an opportunity to become familiar with the control and manual movement of machines. Students will also learn to set up vises and fixtures in preparation for machining operations.

Prerequisites:
MANU-1060Quality Inspection With GD&T and CMM
More Information

This course focuses on measuring and gauging geometric tolerances - the fundamentals of dimensional metrology. Students will learn to identify appropriate features on various parts and how they are related, in addition to learning the basic skills of using inspection tools and equipment required to perform basic open set-ups on a variety of parts that are typical of what is found in industry. Students will apply principles of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing to the inspection and manufacturing processes following the ANSI Y14.5 M-1982 Standard. As well, students will inspect various parts using proper quality control methods. The methodology for proper verification, safe and proper use of lab equipment and facilities, and final report format will be modeled.

Prerequisites:
MANU-1061CAD Fundamentals
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This course introduces students to solid modelling using CAD software and the fundamental knowledge required to generate engineering drawings of mechanical components. Students will learn how to develop and modify solid models as well as shop drawings.

MANU-1062CNC Manual Programming
More Information

Student will learn to produce basic CNC programs for Machining and Turning Centres. Students will learn basic codes required to produce projects, as well as correct program format. The programs created in this course will be used to produce projects on the machines in CNC Turning Centre Operation 1 and CNC Machining Centre Operation 1.

MANU-1064Lean Manufacturing
More Information

In today's world more and more organizations are realizing how important eliminating wasted resources, improving quality, and customer satisfaction is in order to sustain a competitive business. This course will introduce students to the philosophy, terminology, and concepts that companies and organizations are using to be competitive in global manufacturing and service industry.

MANU-1065Intro to Plastics Manufacturing
More Information

This course will provide an introduction to many of the processes production methods used to create plastic components, as well as the underlying chemical processes. Students will learn to select the appropriate production method and polymer for a given component.

Prerequisites:
MANU-1066Introduction to Non-Destructive Testing
More Information

Non-destructive testing (NDT) involves a number of inspection techniques designed to detect discontinuities or defects, such as cracks, in different types of materials. NDT is used in many fields including the aircraft industry, pipelines, manufacturing, automotive servicing, and many others. The NDT course is designed to familiarize students with different NDT methods.

Prerequisites:
MANU-2050Lathe Operations 2
More Information

Students will learn advanced manual lathe operations such as internal and external taper turning. In addition, students will learn how to perform calculations related to taper production.

Prerequisites:
MANU-2062CNC Machining Centre Operation 1
More Information

Students will learn to setup and operate a typical CNC Machining Centre found in industry. Program editing and troubleshooting will also be a component of the course. Students will also learn to make adjustments to machine offsets to control part size.

Prerequisites:
MANU-2063CNC Turning Centre Operation 1
More Information

Students will learn to setup and operate a typical CNC Turning Centre found in industry. Program editing and troubleshooting will also be a component of the course. Students will also learn to make adjustments to machine offsets to control part size.

Prerequisites:
MATH-1082Mathematics for Manufacturing
More Information

Algebra, geometry, and trigonometry will be introduced to prepare students to solve mathematical problems at a technician level. Students will learn and employ mathematical strategies such as models, geometric representations, formulas, algebraic equations, and mathematical reasoning.

SAFE-1028WHMIS
More Information

The Workplace Hazardous Materials System (WHMIS) is a system for ensuring that important information about hazardous products is communicated where products are used, stored and handled. This course provides Information necessary to understand and interpret information about hazardous products, including pictograms (symbols), labels and Safety Data Sheets.

SAFE-1042Machine Shop Tools and Safety
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Students will learn the required safety necessary to perform work in the machine shop. Specific work procedures for each piece of machinery will be covered.  In addition to safety, this course contains topics including hand tools, layout tools and procedures; mechanical hardware including fasteners, bearings, seals and lubrication; an introduction to forklifts and rigging.

SCIE-1046Science for Manufacturing
More Information

Students will learn the basic science of pure metal alloys and heat treatment methods and their effect on metals. In addition, students will learn physical science principals including force, stress, horsepower, and efficiency.

SEMR-9209General Safety Training
More Information

This General Safety Training (GST) teaches basic general safety content to arm students with the core information necessary for them to protect themselves in workplaces on all descriptions. Although some examples may consider Manitoba legislation, this course has been developed by occupational safety and health professionals using generic information that is not provincially specific.

SEMR-9540AC-204 Machinist Theory Level 1 Accreditation
More Information

When a student successfully completes the program and meets the requirements outlined by Apprenticeship Manitoba, they can apply to receive credit towards the Level 1 Machinist Apprenticeship. More information about this process can be received from instructors and Apprenticeship Manitoba.

WELD-1034Welding: VR, Gas and MIG
More Information

This course will introduce and equip students with basic knowledge of gas welding and GMAW (MIG Or semi-automatic). Augmented reality is the industry’s most realistic welding simulation solution for classroom training. 

Prerequisites:

Computer/Laptop Requirements

Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:

1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

2.  A high speed internet connection

3. A computer that has the minimum requirements as indicated at https://catalogue.rrc.ca/files/file/catalogue/LaptopRequirementsCNCAF.pdf

•Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload

•Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.

Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.

Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.


Recent Changes

The program has recently gone through a conversion to course based registration. In this process, the program has been updated to reflect current practices in manufacturing. As well, in the second term of the program electives have been added to better allow students to contour their studies to their personal interests.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.

Other Information

Workers Compensation regulations stipulate that steel toed footwear must be worn in industrial workplaces. Students are required to obtain and wear appropriate safety footwear in shop areas, both in the College and during industry placements.

Graduation Requirements

For students registered in the CNC Machinist Technician program with a 2020-2021 Catalogue year, the requirements to graduate are as follows:

  • A minimum GPA of 2.0 (as per policy A12) to receive the certificate
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 to receive accreditation
  • A minimum grade of C in each course to receive the certificate
  • A minimum grade of C in each course to receive accreditation
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Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
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Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.