A general machinist is a specialist who produces high-quality tooling and machined components for the precision machining/tooling industries. This program will include computer-integrated manufacturing applications. A graduate of this program is able to analyze job requirements and determine job sequencing to manufacture parts to ensure a quality product. This skills-based program prepares students for entry into the general machinist skilled-trade industry, including apprenticeship. A student does not need to be a registered apprentice or have an employer sponsor to start this program. After the three-term in-school theory and shop component, students will have studied approximately half of the apprenticeship in-school component of the general machinist trade and are well positioned to practice along with journeypersons. The student could also use this program to continue in the Mechanical Technician - General Machinist (Co-op) diploma program. The courses in the Mechanical Techniques - General Machinist program are the same as those in the first three semesters of the diploma program.

Graduates will gain knowledge in supporting technologies that influence the manufacturing of parts and will have additional skills to allow them to adapt to evolving technology. This program will appeal to those who are interested in modern manufacturing technologies and who enjoy working with machines.