Wayne Girard, Machinist Trainee
Basic Facts
Employer: Pritchard Manufacturing
Typical Education: High School Diploma
Salary Range: $30,000-$36,000
Skill Type: Processing, Manufacturing & Utilities (NOC 9)
Industry Sector: Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33)
NOC Code: 9511
NOC Occupation: Machining Tool Operator
Useful High School Subjects:
- Machine Shop
- Blueprint Reading
- Computer Basics
- Math
What I Do
What I Do(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
"I operate a machine; it’s a Computerized Numerical Control, that mills certain metal. I can machine an engine block out of there, or just a solenoid, write a program out and do it on the machine."
My Job
MY JOBTitle: Associate Computerized Control Numeric (CNC) Operator (Machinist Trainee)
Key Tasks & Responsibilities:
- train as a CNC Operator
- maintain machines
- operate machines to meet work orders for parts
- run computer programs that set up machines
- package parts for shipping
- quality assurance paperwork
Started Job: 2000
Works with:
- other CNC operators
- CNC programmer
- hydro motion, millwright and welding departments
- all company staff
Reports to:
- Supervisor
- CNC Operator (trainer) TOC
What I Do
What I DoI’m learning to be a Computerized Control Numeric (CNC) Operator. A CNC Operator makes sure the computer programs are running well so the machines can make the parts for our clients.
The parts we make are usually for steel or metal manufacturing companies. We make a small part of what they make. For example, we might make a housing that goes into a fan drive for a small tractor or front end loader.
Where I Work
Where I WorkThe Pritchard Group has an eighty-year history of machining and engineering. In 2000, this parent company launched a new division called Pritchard Manufacturing to specialize in custom manufacturing of components for the telecommunications, aerospace, agriculture, transportation and mining industries.
Pritchard Manufacturing is located in an industrial park in Winnipeg’s northwest corner.
Quality Assurance
Quality AssuranceThe blueprints for the part I’m working on are right beside the machine. I check the measurements as I go make sure I’m on track. If I’m not, I need to make adjustments to the machine or computer program.
At the end of the day, I take the last part I’ve done and record the measurements in a binder. I have a listing of the blueprints of the part and an industry standard for the part and compare them with the actual piece.
Growing Confidence
Growing Confidence(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
"If I need a hand on checking on a certain tool or a change of an insert in a machine they tell me. I know how to do it. It’s just that I’m not at that step where I’m confident enough to do it on my own.
"But my confidence is building. I’m really optimistic about myself. I ask a person a couple of times, show me how to do it, and then once I know how to do it, I’ll just have him there beside me and I’ll be doing it on my own."
The Machines
The MachinesI work mainly with four of the five machines in the shop:
- the Mayzac 480 which is a vertical machining centre
- the Mayzac GTC20, a horizontal machine and
- the Tree VMC 1060 vertical machining centre which is an older model CNC lathe.
The company recently got a newer model CNC lathe, a WT250, but I don’t run that machine very often.
About Me
ABOUT MEBackground
- born in Pine Falls, Manitoba
- grew up on Fort Alexander Reserve (Sagkeeng)
- single
Interests/Activities
- playing hockey, football, floor hockey
- cross country skiing
- ice-skating and roller blading
- watching movies
- listening to music
- walking, hiking
- spending time with family and friends
TOC
Large Family
Large FamilyI come from a big family with two brothers and four sisters. Most of my family lives in Manitoba. My mom and two of my sisters are in city and I have one sister in Brandon. My dad and one of my other sisters and her family all live on the Reserve.
Manitoba Benefits
Manitoba BenefitsI can’t complain about Manitoba weather. We have a mixture; we have hot, California-like weather and winter. I don’t mind either.
I like doing winter stuff like ski-dooing, cross-country skiing, skating, and of course playing ice hockey.
Music Lover
Music LoverWhen I get home from work, I like to crank my music. I’m open minded about music, so what I listen to varies. I like new hip-hop, modern rock and a little bit of country here and there.
Active Life
Active LifeI have to keep active. I can’t sit around for more than an hour. I’m usually doing something, like going for a walk in the park, roller blading, catching a movie, visiting friends and family, or running errands.
I belong to a floor hockey league in my community as well and I usually play four times a week.
Coming Back Home
Coming Back Home(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
"At one point in my life, when I was like about 15, I moved out of the province with my Dad. We moved to Sudbury, Ontario. It was nice, the scenery is nice and everything, it’s good to visit, but I missed home, you know.
Eventually, at one point in your life you always find yourself coming back home."
My Day
MY DAY7:00 am: Arrive, get coffee
7:10 am: Get machine and work instructions, set up day’s agenda
7:30 am: Check all machines - visual check, top up fluids
8:00 am: Run off first parts on machine, check against blueprint
9:30 am: Coffee break
9:45 am: Continue running parts on machine
12:00 pm: Lunch
12:30 pm: Observe CNC Operator run a new part
1:00 pm: Run the part with supervision
1:15 pm: Check part against blueprint
1:30 pm: Continue running parts
2:30 pm: Coffee break
2:45 pm: Run parts on the lathe
3:05 pm: Tidy workspace
3:15 pm: Do daily paperwork
3:30 pm: Go home! TOC
Pace Varies
Pace VariesOverall, the pace is pretty good. At certain times of the year, like at Christmastime, it slows down a bit. At other times, it can be really hectic. If they want something out really quickly, I just go, go, go, without hesitating. On those days, it feels non-stop.
No Pressure
No PressureIt’s a totally stress-free environment. There’s no pressure here whatsoever.
Variety
VarietyWhat I’m running depends on the machine, how it’s programmed and what we need. Every day I check with my supervisor to see what I’m working on and which machine I need to use.
I can spend a whole week working on one machine, but using different parts of it. With the 480, the vertical machining centre, I can spend part of the week running Pena levers and the rest of the week I’m machining fan housings.
Multi-tasker
Multi-taskerMy work is often repetitive. There are three to five minutes between cycles on the machines, so between cycles I have time to do other things. I check to see if the coolant and oil are topped up.
I use the time to keep my workspace tidy and the walkways in the shop clear. While the cycle is running, I pull out the machined parts and put them aside for shipping and get the raw material out of the way.
Job Pride
Job Pride(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
"It’s not very often that John gives us a certain number that has to go out and once I meet that number, that’s my accomplishment, that’s what I feel good about; having something going out not having someone wait on me to have them done.
"I just set goals, day-to-day goals, and once I achieve those goals at the end of the day, that’s the thing I’m proud of."
Me and My Job
ME AND MY JOBLikes
- learning new things, especially about technology
- using my mind and my hands to make things
- working with technology and computers
Challenges
- not getting impatient while training
- learning programming on advanced machines
- adjusting to temperature changes in the shop TOC
Shop Conditions
Shop ConditionsAll of my work is in the shop, on the machines. The shop isn’t insulated, so the temperature changes, depending on the season. It can be really hot in the summertime and very cold in the wintertime.
Most of the time, I just deal with it, otherwise I’d be complaining about the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer.
Switching Gears
Switching GearsThere are certain things I do when I come home from work that help me to switch gears, like checking my mail and messages and eating supper. After I've done all that I'm ready to sit down and relax and think about what I want to do for the rest of the day. Sometimes I catch a movie, go for a walk in the park or go to one of my floor hockey games.
Eager To Learn
Eager To LearnWhile I have a general understanding of the machines, there is more programming to do on the more technically advanced machines.
So far I’ve watched the other CNC Operators, but I still need to learn how to program and run the advanced machines on my own.
I've noticed I tend to get too far ahead of myself because I’m still learning and my expectations are high.
Ear Protection
Ear ProtectionSometimes, it can get pretty noisy in the shop. I’ve gotten used to the noise, but I wear ear protection when it gets too loud. Every year we have a hearing check-up.
My hearing is still as good as it was when I started working here – there’s been no change, knock on wood.
Great To Learn
Great To Learn(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
"It’s great to learn. I mean that’s one of the challenges; learning this new technology, digital, this computerized stuff and that’s what got me interested in this CNC trade."
My Resume
MY RESUMEEducation
2000-Present: CNC Operator Training, Pritchard Manufacturing
2000: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, Interaction Communications
1999: Certificate in Parts/Service/Inventory, Patal Vocational School
1998: Mathematics upgrade, Red River College
Experience
2000-Present: Associate CNC Operator (Machinist Trainee)
2000:General Labourer, Pritchard Manufacturing
2000: Parts Person, Canadian Tire
1999: Meat Cutter, Maple Leaf Meats
1997-1998: General Labourer, Red River Construction
1997: Roofer, Right Step Roofing Co.
1995-1997: Yard Maintenance/Inventory Clerk, Lockhard Roofing Co. TOC
Second Chance
Second ChanceWhen I was in high school, my family had some problems. I was really discouraged, ended up leaving school in grade 11 and decided to live on my own and go to work. I tried different jobs like parts and service management but I didn’t like it.
So when I was out of work and job-hunting, I realized it was my chance to find something I liked and to look at bettering myself. Getting this job gave me my second chance.
Career Search
Career SearchI looked at lists of trades training programs to see what that was about. Because of the technology, CNC caught my eye. I applied for training set up through Manitoba Aerospace.
When my funding fell through though, I was discouraged but shortly after that, I noticed an ad in the paper for Pritchard Manufacturing. The ad said things like 'will train' and 'CNC work' which sounded great to me, so I applied and got accepted.
Everything CNC
Everything CNC(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
"I want to learn more things about CNC. Every time I jump on a computer anywhere, either at my friends or at a resource centre that I take my friend to, I always catch myself going onto CNC machinist; CNC this, CNC that.
"I’m always reading into it and trying to gain a lot of information pertaining to this trade."
Training Opportunity
Training OpportunityI took a job with Pritchard Manufacturing as a general labourer to do basic stuff like maintaining machines and getting things ready to ship.
About six months into it my supervisor asked me if I was interested in CNC and running the machine.
I told him I was and how I had tried to apply for a program in the past. We worked out the details with the union rep, and here I am.
Hiring For My Job
Hiring For My JobIf I were hiring for my job, I’d look for somebody who has:
- math skills like trigonometry, geometry, algebra and fractions
- basic computer skills
- an understanding of measurement
- some knowledge of the tools we use
- a good head on their shoulders
My Future
MY FUTUREFuture CNC Programmer
I’d like to be a CNC programmer. The CNC programmer who’s been training me is a really good guy and he’s amazing at what he does. Basically, his job is to read blueprints and convert them to a three dimensional form on the computer.
He enters the measurements within thousandths of an inch, and tweaks the program for each component. It will take a few years, but that’s my goal - to be as good as him. TOC
An Early Influence
An Early InfluenceI remember when I was ten and living on the Reserve, I’d go home for lunch and watch cartoons while I ate. Every other day, this commercial with this guy in a hardhat for Pritchard Engineering would come on.
Seeing that I was ten at the time, I assume they have a really great future in Manitoba. I can see them being here for at least the next 30 or 40 years. Who knows? They could be around for another 100.
Future Schooling
Future SchoolingBasically, for me right now, the company comes first. I’d go back to school for more training and to upgrade my computer skills if it would benefit the company and me.
Good Career
Good CareerIt’s a good trade to get into – I belong to a union and make a decent wage. I like the work. It’s a good career.
I can see where the industry is going and I think it’s going to be around for maybe another fifty or hundred years.
Career Goals
Career Goals(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
"For this career, my goals are well, to stay with this company as long as they want me. As long as they’re happy with me and I’m happy with them, that’s how long I’ll be sticking around."
Developing Technology
Developing TechnologyI think the computer that programs the machines will be more automated down the road, so there will be less hands on work.
The more technology develops and the more advanced the machines become, the more the job will change.
Useful Links
MORE INFOWayne’s decision to take a job as a general labourer with Pritchard Manufacturing put him on the road to getting the training he needs to be a Computerized Numeric Control Operator.
With a program designed by the company to make sure he learns everything he needs to and a chance to work closely with the CNC team, he’s well on his way to becoming a CNC Operator.Manufacturing plays a major role in Manitoba’s economy.
Much of the manufacturing industry requires CNC Operators. Many people who pursue this career have:
- an aptitude for math, measurements and technology
- high school courses in metals and/or welding, advanced mathematics and computers
- strong people skills
- CNC Operator training/apprenticeship
- ongoing training as technology changes
Gaining work experience will allow you opportunities to purse other positions within the field, such as a CNC programmer, inspector or management. TOC
Job Market Info
Job Market InfoThe links below take you to federal and regional government information on employment, education, salary ranges and long range prospects for this career.
The official name for Wayne's occupation is "Machining Tool Operator" and its *NOC code is 9511.
Job Futures
Manitoba Labour Market
(Select Manitoba, the Area in Manitoba, NOC code 9511, then click Search)
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
*Each occupation has an official name and unique number called the 'National Occupational Classification' code or 'NOC'.
Education
Education
Useful High School Subjects*
- Machine Shop
- Blueprint Reading
- Computer Basics
- Math
* Source: Job Futures.ca
Below are links to various programs and courses that will you on the path to a career as a CNC Operator.
Red River College
Full Time Programs
Click on any of the following:
- Manufacturing Technician
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Manufacturing Design CAD Technology
- Precision Metal Manufacturing
Assiniboine Community College - Brandon
All Programs
Industrial Metals Fabrication - page 220 of the pdf
University College of the North - The Pas/Thompson
All Programs
Vocational Trades - page 81 of the pdf
Industry Association
Industry AssociationCanadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) Manitoba Division is Canada's Leading Business Network and senior business association. CME members account for 75% of Canada's industrial output and 90% of its exports. Over the past seven years, they have been responsible for over 45% of the new jobs created in the Canadian economy.
CME has established alliances and linkages with universities, community colleges and training organizations throughout Canada. These alliances help ensure the availability of adequately skilled labour and enable Canadian companies to compete in today's global economy.
Related Careers
Related CareersSome related careers from Human Resources Development Canada web sites:
CAD-CAM and CNC Programmers (NOC 2233)
Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors (7231)
Supervisors, Machinists and Related Occupations (NOC 7211)
Tool and Die Makers (NOC 7232)
Professional Associations
Professional AssociationsCanadian Steel Producers Association
- a national association for the steel production industry
The Association for Manufacturing Excellence
- a professional association for the manufacturing industry that focuses on professional excellence
Canadian Tooling & Machining Association
-a trade association for the Tooling Industry
Industrial Research and Development Institute
-a research and development facility committed to furthering the manufacturing industry