About the Program
This two-year diploma program introduces you to the state-of-the-art mechanical design and advanced manufacturing technologies used in today’s fast-paced manufacturing industry. Using the latest machining and design software applications, you will develop foundational skills in mechanical design to progress from designing simple components to more complex assemblies.
Throughout the program, you will gain hands-on experience with computer numerical control (CNC) machinery, including milling machines, lathes and electrical discharge machining (EDM), while applying industry-standard software applications. This program also offers an optional work term, providing valuable real-world experience.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be well positioned to pursue careers in industries such as aerospace, automotive and other manufacturing sectors. The program also provides a strong foundation for entrepreneurial pathways, including starting or managing advanced manufacturing businesses.
Computer Requirements
- operating system: Windows 11, 64 bit
- processor: 3.3 GHz (or faster)
- memory: 16 GB (or larger)
- solid-state drive: 128 GB (or larger)
- second display screen (recommended)
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
4 Semesters (2 Years)
Starts
January, September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Computer-aided design (CAD) for mechanical components and assemblies
- Computer-aided machining (CAM) and CNC programming
- Mould and die design, including injection moulds and progressive dies
- Programming robots and programmable logical controllers (PLC) for modern manufacturing
- Reverse-engineering using 3D scanning technologies
- Prototyping using 3D printing technologies
- Production of mechanical components
- Working with internationally accepted manufacturing standards
- Understanding machining and cutting parameters to program CNC machines to run efficiently and effectively
- Setting up and operating CNC machines for production, including 3- and 4-axis milling machines, lathes with live tooling and wire EDM
Work Experience
This program offers the option to complete a work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in your field of study.
Students who select the work term stream will have the opportunity to participate in a work term(s) if eligibility requirements are maintained. Students will have the flexibility to transfer to the non-work term stream at any time. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and is typically a full-time position that may be paid or unpaid. The work term job search is student-driven and participation in the work term stream does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the work term.
Students interested in completing a work term should apply to the Mechanical Technician – CNC Programming (Work Term) (MTCPW) program.
Work-Integrated Learning Model - January Start
Academic Schedule
| Year |
September |
January |
May |
| Year 1 |
|
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
| Year 2 |
Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
Work Term |
Work-Integrated Learning Model - September Start
Academic Schedule
| Year |
September |
January |
May |
| Year 1 |
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Work Term |
| Year 2 |
Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
|
Your Career
Graduates of the program can pursue career opportunities in industries such as aerospace, defense, medical and automotive, including:
- CAD designer
- CAM programmer
- CNC setup technician
- CNC operator
- Manufacturing technician
- 3D scanning operator
- Automation designer
- Junior mould designer
- Mould maker apprentice
- Junior tool and die designer
- Tool and die apprentice
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Complete all work in compliance with current legislation, standards, regulations and guidelines.
- Apply quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
- Comply with current health and safety legislation, as well as organizational practices and procedures.
- Apply sustainability best practices in workplaces.
- Use current and emerging technologies to support the implementation of mechanical and manufacturing projects.
- Analyze and solve mechanical problems by applying mathematics and fundamentals of mechanics.
- Interpret, prepare and modify mechanical drawings and other related technical documents.
- Perform technical measurements accurately using appropriate instruments and equipment.
- Manufacture, assemble, maintain and repair mechanical components according to required specifications.
- Contribute to the planning, implementation and evaluation of projects.
- Operate and program a variety of CNC machines to produce parts to specifications, meeting the required quality standards.
- Apply CNC specific technical work practices when writing programs for CNC machines.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
- English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course
- Mathematics: Grade 12 C or U, or Grade 11 Functions (MCR3U), or equivalent course
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English and/or mathematics requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.