College Diploma - Mechanical Technician - CNC Programming (Optional Co-op)

The Mechanical Technician – CNC Programming diploma is a two-year program in computer-controlled machining, with an optional co-op.

Coursework covers engineering drawing interpretation and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, machining theory and cutting tool selection, manual machining on lathes and mills, CNC programming in G-code and conversational systems, computer-aided manufacturing and toolpath generation, machine setup and workholding, metrology and precision measurement, materials and heat treatment, quality control and inspection, and shop safety. Machine time is the dominant activity.

CNC programming is where the earnings sit in machining. Operators run machines; programmers decide how a part will be made, which toolpaths to use and how to hold the work — a genuinely skilled role that Ontario manufacturers consistently struggle to fill as experienced machinists retire.

The optional co-op stream is worth taking if offered: paid Canadian work experience before graduation improves hiring outcomes and Express Entry points, and co-op students frequently convert a placement into a full-time offer.

Newnham is Seneca’s largest campus, on Finch Avenue East in North York, with its own residence, library, athletic centre and specialised technical labs. It sits on the TTC network with subway connections, and carries the bulk of Seneca’s business, technology and engineering catalogue — which means the widest range of student clubs, services and peers of any Seneca site.

Seneca Polytechnic — formerly Seneca College — is one of Ontario’s largest public colleges and a Designated Learning Institution. Newnham is its biggest campus, on Finch Avenue East in North York, and carries the bulk of Seneca’s business, technology, engineering technology, aviation and applied science catalogue. It has its own residence, a large library and athletic centre, and sits on the TTC network with connections to the subway.

Its field maps to CIP 48.0510 (Machine tool technology). Important: this is a college credential rather than a degree, so it is not exempt from the November 2024 PGWP field-of-study restriction — eligibility depends on this CIP field appearing on IRCC’s eligible list when you apply. Seneca publishes a PGWP-eligible program list; check it, and confirm with an Apply Study Visa counsellor before committing. IRCC makes the final decision.