72100

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 72 › 721 › 7210

Definition

Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts or products with precise dimensions. Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards. They are employed by machinery, equipment, motor vehicle, automotive parts, aircraft and other metal products manufacturing companies and by machine shops. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Machinists
Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts and tables or study sample parts to determine machining operation to be performed, and plan best sequence of operations
Compute dimensions and tolerances and measure and lay out work pieces
Set up, operate and maintain a variety of machine tools including computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools to perform precision, non-repetitive machining operations such as sawing, turning, milling, boring, planing, drilling, precision grinding and other operations
Fit and assemble machined metal parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools
Verify dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments
May set up and program machine tools for use by machining tool operators.
Machining and tooling inspectors
Verify dimensions of machined parts or tooling using micrometers, verniers, callipers, height gauges, optical comparators, coordinate measuring machines (CMM) or other specialized measuring instruments
Maintain, repair and calibrate precision measuring instruments such as dial indicators, fixed gauges, height gauges and other measuring devices
Report deviations from specifications and tolerances to supervisor
Complete and maintain inspection reports.

Example job titles

•automotive machinist
•aviation machinist
•general machinist
•machine shop inspector
•machined parts inspector
•machining inspector
•machinist
•machinist apprentice

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors are classified under NOC code 72100. This occupation falls under TEER Category 2, making it highly relevant for Canadian immigration pathways such as the Express Entry system—specifically the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)—and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Professionals in this category are responsible for setting up and operating a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic, or other materials to precise dimensions, as well as inspecting machined parts to maintain strict quality control standards.

Employment requirements for NOC 72100 typically include the completion of secondary school, combined with either a four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade along with industry-related courses. Trade certification is available but voluntary in all Canadian provinces and territories. Qualified candidates can also obtain a Red Seal endorsement upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination, which facilitates interprovincial mobility and enhances overall career opportunities in Canada's industrial sectors.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official regulations and updates, please refer directly to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) official guidelines.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Verify this NOC with DUTYPROOF →Check program eligibility →

Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.