Mechanical Techniques - CNC
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Program Overview
The MQC program is a one‑year, two‑semester program that prepares students for entry‑level career opportunities in manufacturing and machining environments. Through applied theory, hands‑on lab training, and co‑operative education placements with industry employers, students gain practical experience valued by today’s workforce.
Program Details
Program Code
MQC3S
Credential:
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
30 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2026 September
St. Thomas
Open
2027 January
St. Thomas
Open
2025 September
St. Thomas
Closed
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2026 September
St. Thomas
Open
2027 January
St. Thomas
Open
2025 September
St. Thomas
Closed
Your Learning Experience
Throughout the program, students learn to plan machining processes, set up and operate conventional and CNC machining equipment, troubleshoot production challenges, design parts and apply their skills to workplace scenarios. A strong emphasis is placed on hands‑on learning, giving students practical experience in metal machining and programming environments that reflect current industry practices.
The program builds a solid technical foundation through courses in machine trade theory, machine shop practices, mechanical blueprint reading, and applied mathematics. As digital technology plays a critical role in today’s manufacturing sector, students are introduced to computer applications, computer numerical control technology, and computer‑aided design (CAD) using both 2D and 3D tools. These skills are reinforced through applied projects and real‑world problem solving.
Developed in collaboration with industry partners, the MQC program focuses on technical competence, problem‑solving ability, and employability skills. Graduates complete the program with hands‑on experience, industry connections gained through co‑op placements, and the practical skills needed for entry‑level opportunities and continued learning in machining and manufacturing.
Career Information
Graduates are prepared for entry‑level roles such as manufacturing technician, production technician, machining assistant, quality support technician, or fabrication assistant, and for further training or apprenticeship pathways within the skilled trades.
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Mechanical Techniques program:
- Manufacturing Technician
- Production Technician
- Machine Shop Assistant
- Manufacturing Assistant
- Industrial Production Worker
- Machining Assistant
- Quality Control Assistant / Quality Support Technician
- Manufacturing Operator
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Learning Outcomes
1. Complete all work in compliance with legislation, regulations, standards, guidelines,
and industry practices.
2. Follow quality control/quality assurance procedures to meet industry and
organizational standards and end-use requirements.
3. Comply with health and safety legislation to prevent personal and public incidents.
4. Follow sustainability protocols to prioritize resource efficiency, and environmental
conservation.
5. Troubleshoot mechanical problems by applying mechanical principles to provide
repair solutions that meet manufacturer and/or customer specifications.
6. Use technology to support the design and implementation of mechanical
engineering projects.
7. Assist in the interpretation and preparation of engineering drawings, models, and
other technical documents according to project specifications.
8. Contribute to the design, manufacturing, assembly, inspection and repair of
mechanical components and systems according to required specifications.
9. Select, inspect, use and maintain machinery, tools and equipment for the
installation, manufacturing and repair of mechanical components, assemblies and
systems.
10. Contribute to the implementation and evaluation of projects to meet business
objectives within time, cost, and quality constraints.
11. Develop strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work
performance, career progression and mobility
Academic School
Program Coordinators:
St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus:
Wayne Dejong
Admission Requirements
OSSD with courses from the College (C), University (U),
University/College (U/C), or Open (O) stream
OR
Pre-Technology Ontario College Certificate*
OR
Mature Applicant with appropriate preparation
University/College (U/C), or Open (O) stream
OR
Pre-Technology Ontario College Certificate*
OR
Mature Applicant with appropriate preparation
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:
- A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 550 for the paper-based test (PBT), or 79 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years. SDS Program Requirements.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 53, with test results within the last two years
- A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 169 with no language skill less than 162, with test results within the last two years
- An English Language Evaluation (ELE) at Fanshawe College with a minimum score of 70% in all sections of the test, with test results within the last two years
- Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 8, 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9, or 70% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
- Any Grade 12 English (C), (U), or (O)
- Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology (C) preferred
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 Physics (C) or (U)
- It is recommended that students in the Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE) program take a Technical or Apprenticeship Mathematics course within the ACE program.
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
- Admission to the Fanshawe College Pre-Technology program does not guarantee admission in a subsequent year to the Mechanical Techniques - CNC program. Successful completion of the Fanshawe College Pre-Technology program, however, does enable the student to be given additional consideration when applying to the Mechanical Techniques - CNC program. The Pre-Technology program is the preferred designated preparatory program for admission to the Mechanical Techniques - CNC program.
More Information
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| DRAF-1072 | Blueprint Reading | 2 | ||
| This basic course introduces the student to mechanical blueprint reading. Topics covered will include lines, dimensioning, tolerances, types of projection and methods to interpret working drawings. | ||||
| CADD-1060 | Computer Aided Design 1 | 3 | ||
| This course is designed to introduce the student to two and three dimensional CAD (computer aided design) using CAD software. Topics will include the setup of the user interface, file management, creating sketch and solid model geometry, analyzing and editing of geometry to ensure compatibility for use in toolpaths, creating assemblies and creating engineering drawings. | ||||
| DEVL-1054 | Skills for Career Success | 2 | ||
| This course will cover topics in digital literacy, career management and workplace communication. | ||||
| MACH-1181 | Applied Metal Machining | 4 | ||
| This course will enable the student to produce machined metal parts to the specifications of a technical drawing, by means of safely setting up, programming, and operating CNC Machines. | ||||
| MACH-1182 | Machining Theory | 3 | ||
| This course will provide the student theoretical knowledge to machine metal parts to the specifications of a technical drawing, by means of safely setting up, programming, and operating CNC Machines. | ||||
| MATH-1212 | Mathematics for Trades 1 | 2 | ||
| An introductory level course that teaches students the necessary mathematical skills that will enable them to be successful in the trades programs. | ||||
Tuition Summary
St. Thomas
[1] Total program costs are approximate and subject to change. They do not include additional fees such as the health and dental plan, bus pass, or general expenses. Learn more about ancillary and additional fees.