Why Choose a Career as a Machinist?

At Harvan Manufacturing, Ltd. we believe manufacturing is an art and our licensed machinists are passionate about their craft. Harvan has been a trusted source of high-quality manufactured components for over 25 years. We develop and fabricate custom precision components that meet the demands of challenging industries, including military and defense, agriculture, automotive, and more.

Over the past decade, the increasing shift in reshoring has led to an increase in Canadian manufacturing jobs. The term reshoring refers to companies moving their manufacturing operations out of foreign countries and back to the country where the company was first established. Reshoring has been growing in importance throughout North America as organizations have begun to see the risks and negative aspects of overseas manufacturing. As a result, Canada is currently seeing a growing demand for workers throughout the manufacturing industry.

What Does a Machinist Do?

A general machinist uses a variety of tools and equipment to create precision components. Machinists use machines such as lathes, grinders, and mills to create custom manufactured products. The first step is to interpret an electronic or written technical drawing and then determine which tools, tool paths and equipment are best to manufacture the part efficiently and properly. Machining is a highly technical field and operators must calculate dimensions and stay within tolerances smaller than you can see with the naked eye. Specialty measurement equipment is used to ensure parts are within tolerances. Often times with intricate parts quality is involved during the machining process to ensure that every step of the way the part is dimensionally correct.

Some of the equipment machinists operate are controlled by computers using a computer numerical control )CNC) program, while other jobs will require hand operation of the machinery. Most parts will be manufactured using a program that determines which path the tooling will take to cut, drill and shape the workpiece into the finished product. One of the most important aspects to machining is ensuring you are running the correct tooling and the correct feeds and speeds to ensure the final product is done in an efficient manner with all tolerances being held. Machinists typically start with a “rough work piece” this can range from round bar stock, square bar, castings, forgings, weldments of various shapes or steel plate. From that rough material they are able to machine away extra material and mold the product into the shape on the drawing. The machinist will use specialized tools and instruments to perform measurements during the fabrication process to ensure that the component is being formed according to the precise specifications outlined on the drawing.

In Canada, the General Machinist (429A) apprenticeship program involves a combination of in-school training and on-the-job training. This program typically takes four years to complete and requires 720 hours of in-school training, as well as 7,280 hours of job site training. In school, machinists learn about trade safety procedures, computer-aided design, engineering drawings, how to perform trade calculations, as well as study the science of metals and measuring. The job site training portion offers practical experience using the equipment and tools learned about during school.

The Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program is the nationally recognized skilled trade worker standard in Canada and is how Canadians can receive their machinist certification. After you have completed your apprenticeship training, you can take the Red Seal examination to receive a Red Seal endorsement on your trade certificate. This is not a requirement for most machinists; however it is the extra step some take to be recognized on a national scale.

What Is the Average Salary of a Machinist in Canada?

The average base salary for a general machinist in Canada is $57,240 per year, with an additional yearly bonus of $1,088. Their average hourly rate is $27.52. When first entering the workforce, entry-level machinists typically earn a yearly salary of $42,101. This salary increases with experience and senior-level general machinists with 8 years or more experience earn an average of $69,878 per year. In Ontario, the job opportunities for machinists are expected to grow throughout 2021 due to an increasing number of new positions available.

Begin Your Manufacturing Career at Harvan!

Harvan takes pride in giving new general machinists their start in the industry. We’re a family-oriented business, with our employees averaging 11 years of service with us. At Harvan Manufacturing, you will get to use the latest technology and state-of-the-art computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Our machinists work with a wide range of materials, including exotic metals and alloys, precious metals, and even food-grade plastic. Craft precisely fabricated components using a range of manufacturing techniques, including:

  • CNC milling
  • CNC turning
  • Grinding
  • Hobbing
  • Secondary services, such as burnishing, lapping, and broaching

In your career at Harvan, you will get to produce components for a variety of industries, including aerospace, agriculture, military and defense, nuclear, medical, transportation, forestry, and more. Many companies rely on our machinists for their precise and accurate work.

Machinists transform raw materials into carefully formed components and their work is essential to the success of many industries. Choosing a career as a machinist can provide you with a great salary as well as job stability. If you’re looking to start your career as a general machinist, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today!