94105

Metalworking and forging machine operators

TEER 4 — High-school diploma or several weeks of training

Express Entry skill level: No
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Manufacturing & utilities

9 › 94 › 941 › 9410

Definition

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.

Example job titles

•bending press operator - metal fabrication
•cold press operator - metal forging
•disk flange operator - metal fabrication
•drop hammer operator - metal forging
•electric arc cutter - metal products manufacturing
•forging press operator
•metal-forming machine set-up operator
•metalworking machine operator

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 94105 identifies Metalworking and forging machine operators. These individuals operate lightweight or heavy-duty metalworking and forging machines to shape, form, cut, and bend metal. They are employed across Canada by metal product manufacturers, machinery manufacturers, and various other industrial manufacturing sectors. Common job titles within this classification include forging machine operator, punch press operator, metal-bending machine operator, and shear operator.

The key duties for NOC 94105 involve setting up, adjusting, and operating various metalworking machines. Operators are responsible for reading job specifications, positioning and securing workpieces, monitoring machine operations, and performing routine maintenance. To qualify for this occupation, Canadian employers typically require a high school education and several months of on-the-job training. Previous experience as a helper or labourer in metal processing is also highly beneficial and sometimes required.

For Canadian immigration, NOC 94105 is categorized under TEER 4. While Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry) programs typically target higher TEER categories, individuals under NOC 94105 may qualify for immigration through several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), or other pathways designed for semi-skilled occupations. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute official legal or immigration advice.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.