94124

Woodworking machine operators

TEER 4 — High-school diploma or several weeks of training

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

Classification

Manufacturing & utilities

9 › 94 › 941 › 9412

Definition

Woodworking machine operators set up, program and operate one or more woodworking machines to fabricate or repair wooden parts for furniture, fixtures or other wood products. They are employed in furniture, fixture and other wood products manufacturing establishments.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Set up, program and operate one or more computer numerically controlled (CNC) or manual woodworking machines such as saws, moulders, lathes, routers, planers, edgers, pressing machines, shapers, drills and sanders to fabricate or repair wooden parts for furniture, fixtures and other wood products
Operate gluing machines to glue pieces of wood together or press and affix wood veneer to wood surfaces
Operate preset special-purpose woodworking machines to fabricate wood products such as coat hangers, mop handles, clothes pins and other products
Read and interpret specifications or follow verbal instructions
May clean and lubricate equipment, and replace parts as necessary.

Example job titles

•boring machine operator - woodworking
•computer numerically controlled (CNC) band saw operator
•drill operator - woodworking
•drum sander - woodworking
•edge bander operator - woodworking
•glue machine operator - woodworking
•lathe operator - woodworking
•planer operator - woodworking

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 94124 identifies Woodworking machine operators. Professionals in this occupational group set up and operate various woodworking machines, including lathes, shapers, routers, planers, and sanders, to shape, profile, drill, and finish wood stock. Some operators may also program and control CNC (computer numerical control) woodworking equipment. They are typically employed by furniture manufacturing companies, cabinetmakers, and other specialized wood products establishments across Canada.

To work in Canada as a woodworking machine operator under TEER 4, completion of secondary school is usually required, along with on-the-job training. Previous experience as a general laborer in wood products manufacturing can also be beneficial. For Canadian immigration, TEER 4 occupations are eligible for several pathways, including certain streams of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), or specific regional programs. Note that TEER 4 occupations generally require specific provincial nomination or employer sponsorship pathways to qualify for permanent residence.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. Please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration consultant for official legal guidance.

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

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