Contractors and Supervisors for Machining and Metal Forming trades are supervisors and business owners in manufacturing settings.

They supervise and coordinate skilled workers from trades such as welding, tool and die making and machining, manage administration and direct resources to best meet organizational needs at the middle management level, or director level if they are contractors who own their own businesses. This occupation will see a large recruitment gap in the automotive sector over the next decade, giving opportunities to many new workforce entrants to grow in the sector.

Where do Contractors and Supervisors for Machining Trades work?

What do Contractors and Supervisors for Machining Trades do?

Contractors and Supervisors for Machining and Metal Forming Trades are responsible for tasks across production, human resource management and business administration. Contractors and Supervisors in this occupational group commonly encounter tasks similar to the ones below:

• Set up machines and equipment and write programs for computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools
• Train or arrange for training of workers
• Resolve work problems and recommend work measures to improve productivity
• Requisition materials and supplies
• Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments

Career pathways & potential earnings of Contractors and Supervisors for Machining Trades

Contractors and Supervisors for Machining Trades must have prior experience in metalworking, and can progress into senior management and executive roles with adequate experience and knowledge:

Contractors and Supervisors in Machining and Metal Forming Trades can also apply their skills and expertise in other occupations such as the following:

• Contractors and Supervisors Pipefitting Trades
• Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers and Servicers

How do I become a Contractor or Supervisor in Machining Trades?

There are several educational, licensing and training requirements to become a Machining Trade Supervisor or Contractor. Some requirements may vary by province or company. Below are the most commonly required qualifications to work as a Machining Trade Supervisor or Contractor:

• Minimum Education: Completion of high school is usually required.
• Certification and Licensing: Journeyman/woman trade certification in machining, tool and die making or related metalworking trades is required.
• Training and other requirements: Several years of experience as a qualified machinist or tool and die maker are usually required.

What are the most important skills to have as a Machining Supervisor?

Contractors and Supervisors of Machining and Metal Forming Trades coordinate and manage workers from several skilled trades in metalworking, and must possess a well rounded knowledge of metalworking and production, even outside their own technical trade. Below are skills that are commonly required of Contractors and Supervisors in Machining and Metal Forming Trades:

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Personnel and Human Resources
• Management and Administration
• Computer-aided-design/manufacturing software (CAD/CAM)
• Operations Monitoring
• Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Systems

Soft Skills

• Judgement and Decision Making
• Complex Problem Solving
• Social Perceptiveness
• Time Management
• Mentoring and Leadershi
• Written and Oral Comprehension and Expression

Future of Supervisor and Contracting jobs in Canada

Contractors and Supervisors for Machining and Metal Forming Trades are a relatively smaller occupational group in Canada, with more than 13,000 being employed across the country in 2021. FOCAL predicts a demand for over 190 job openings for supervisors in Canada’s automotive manufacturing sector from 2021 to 2030. With a substantial projected recruitment gap of 180 positions, there is strong opportunity for skilled individuals to branch into and grow within the sector.

Learn more about the job market for contractors and supervisors in machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades, as well as about many other developments and new technologies in Canada’s automotive manufacturing by visiting our website futureautolabourforce.ca. You can also check our social media by following these links: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.