NOC 94105: Metalworking and forging machine operators

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Light metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form sheet or other light metal into parts or products. Heavy metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form steel or other heavy metal into parts or products. Forging machine operators operate forging machines to form and shape metal into various shapes and sizes and impart desired strength, hardness or other characteristics. Light metalworking machine operators are employed by sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal shops and other light metal products manufacturing establishments. Heavy metalworking machine operators are employed by structural steel fabrication, boiler and platework manufacturing companies, heavy machinery manufacturing companies and in the shipbuilding industry. Forging machine operators are employed primarily in the fabricated metal products, machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing industries.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Metalworking machine operators

• Read specifications or follow verbal instructions
• Lay out, set up and operate one or more light or heavy metalworking machines such as shears, power presses, saws, plate rolls, drills, brakes, slitters, punch presses, computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment, and other hand tools to cut, bend, roll, ream, punch and drill, weld or otherwise shape and form metal stock into parts or products
• Operate machines or equipment which weld, solder, bolt, screw or rivet metal parts together
• Check products for correct shapes, dimensions and other specifications
• Troubleshoot and perform corrective action or minor repairs
• May select and transport material to work area manually or using crane or hoist
• May document work completed
• May build staging or erect scaffolding as required for heavy metalworking jobs
• May clean or lubricate equipment and replace parts as required.

Forging machine operators

• Operate gas or oil fired furnaces to heat metal to proper temperature prior to forging
• Place metal pieces in furnace using hand tongs or overhead cranes and remove from furnace when colour of metal indicates proper forging temperature, or load and unload furnace with automatic conveyor
• Position heated or cold metal pieces, on die of press or other forging machinery
• Operate presses or other forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, twisting, forming, drawing, upsetting, splitting, cutting, punching, piercing, bending, coining, or other operations to shape or form metal
• Position and adjust dies on anvil of forging machinery using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices and hand tools.

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Employment requirements

• Completion of secondary school education may be required.
• Previous experience as a labourer or helper in the same company may be required.
• On-the-job training is usually provided.

Good to know

• There is little or no mobility between operators of light and heavy metalworking machines.
• Progression to structural metal fabricator or supervisory positions is possible with experience for metalworking machine operators.
• Progression to blacksmith, die setting, or supervisory positions is possible with experience for forging machine operators.

Codes in the same group

Official sources

• noc.esdc.gc.caNOC 2021 Version 1.0: 94105 Metalworking and forging machine operators
• statcan.gc.caStatistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
• canada.caIRCC: Find your National Occupational Classification (NOC)
• canada.caIRCC: Express Entry, who can apply