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NOC 72100 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors. It is classified TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.
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
Example job titles
Express Entry category draws
NOC 72100 is in the “Trades” group used for category-based Express Entry draws.
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.
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Yes — Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors is TEER 2, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors is classified as TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.
Yes — it's in the “Trades” group. The latest Trades round (April 2, 2026) invited 3000 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 477.
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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.