Mechanical Technician Program

Overview

The Mechanical Technician program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career as a Mechanical Technician or to complete an apprenticeship as a Millwright (Industrial Mechanic), Machinist, CNC Operator/Programmer, Welder, or other Mechanical Technician-related apprenticeship. Upon completion of this program, graduates will receive an Ontario College Diploma as a Mechanical Technician.

Graduates of the program perform various duties, including:

• Reading blueprints, diagrams, and schematic drawings to determine work procedures.
• Installing, aligning, dismantling, maintaining, repairing, and moving stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment.
• Building or maintaining automation work-cells or production lines.
• Adjusting and maintaining machinery and repairing or replacing defective parts.
• Inspecting and examining machinery and equipment to detect and investigate irregularities and malfunctions.
• Installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining power transmission, vacuum, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Operating machine tools such as lathes, mills, and grinders to fabricate parts.
• Programming and/or operating CNC milling machines and lathes for the production of complex components.
• Using precise measurement tools (metrology) to inspect and maintain quality control of manufactured or repaired parts.
• Performing welding operations in the manufacture or repair of machinery, parts, or manufactured components.

Program Details

• Program Code: 0507
• CIP Code: 48.0501
• Start Date: January 2027, September 2026
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma
• Campus: Kingston
• Program Length: 2 Years
• Delivery: Full-Time
• Open for International Students: Yes

Program Highlights

Graduates will have completed all levels of in-school training required for the Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Apprenticeship program, which is highly attractive to employers who may wish to register graduates in an apprenticeship program.

Program Outline

Semester 1

• MECT 101 - Mechanical Theory 1
  Introduces metrology, machining, and handtool theory, providing a foundation for developing machining skills.
• MECT 102 - Welding and Fabrication 1
  Develops basic welding skills necessary for joining metals, focusing on oxyacetylene and arc welding techniques.
• MECT 103 - Technical Drawing
  Covers concepts and techniques for producing mechanical drawings using various methods including CAD.
• MECT 106 - Basic Technical Math
  Reviews elementary mathematical concepts, introducing algebra, geometry, and trigonometry applications.
• MECT 109 - Machining Skills 1
  Applies machine shop theory and practice skills at an introductory level.
• MECT 110 - Occupational Health and Safety
  Introduces students to safety regulations and practices within the manufacturing industry.
• GENE 60 - Topics in the Contemporary Workplace
  Examines the evolving workplace, incorporating discussions on employment equity, health and safety, and unionization.

Semester 2

• MECT 201 - Mechanical Theory 2
  Intermediate-level Maintenance theory, covering machine tools and power transmission systems.
  Prerequisite: MECT 101
• MECT 202 - Welding and Fabrication 2
  Expands knowledge and skills in welding practices.
  Prerequisite: MECT 102
• MECT 204 - Computer Aided Design
  Focuses on producing mechanical drawings and understanding materials and manufacturing processes.
  Prerequisite: MECT 103
• MECT 207 - Computer Numeric Control 1
  Introduces programming for CNC lathes and mills.
  Prerequisite: MECT 103
• MECT 208 - Mechanical Drive Systems
  Applies mechanical drive theory and practice skills.
• MECT 209 - Machining Skills 2
  Intermediate application of machine shop theory and skills.
  Prerequisite: MECT 109
• MECT 402 - Physics for Technicians
  Provides foundational knowledge in basic physics relevant to engineering.
  Prerequisite: MECT 106

Semester 3

• MECT 203 - Basic Electricity
  Outlines basic concepts of electricity and electronics.
• MECT 306 - Fluid Power 1
  Highlights trade-specific applications related to hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• MECT 307 - Quality Control and Assurance
  Introduces quality control concepts and procedures, including ISO standards.
• MECT 401 - Mechanical Theory 3
  Advanced maintenance theory and practical skills.
  Prerequisite: MECT 201
• MECT 403 - Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing
  Discusses engineering principles in mechanical drawings and mechanisms.
  Prerequisite: MECT 204
• MECT 404 - Computer Numerical Control 2
  Continues CNC machining programming and execution.
  Prerequisite: MECT 207
• MECT 409 - Machining Skills 3
  Advanced practice of machine shop skills.
  Prerequisite: MECT 209
• GENE Online - General Education Online

Semester 4

• MECT 206 - Technical Writing
  Develops skills for creating reports and instructions relevant to the technician field.
  Prerequisite: MECT 105
• MECT 406 - Fluid Power 2
  Continues to expand knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
  Prerequisite: MECT 306
• MECT 500 - Advanced Electricity
  Expands knowledge of electrical devices and introduces Programmable Logic Controllers.
  Prerequisite: MECT 203
• MECT 501 - Mechanical Theory 4
  Advanced theory and practical skills in machine tools and precision measuring.
  Prerequisite: MECT 401
• MECT 503 - Welding and Fabrication 3
  Develops advanced welding abilities, including reading specifications and layouts.
  Prerequisite: MECT 202
• MECT 504 - Design Project and Report
  Teaches the skills necessary to design a complete mechanical project.
  Prerequisite: MECT 403
• MECT 505 - Manufacturing for Technicians
  Enhances understanding of manufacturing processes and quality control methods.
  Prerequisite: MECT 401 + MECT 409
• MECT 509 - Machine Disassembly and Reassembly
  Focuses on diagnosing and reassembling mechanical components.
  Prerequisite: MECT 409
• GENE - General Education Course

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or an equivalent, which includes:

• Grade 12 English at the C or U level
• Grade 11 Math at the C, U, or M level

For OSSD equivalency options, consult the admissions details provided by the college.

Fees

Canadian Students

• Tuition: $3,428.06 CAD
• Program Fees: $30.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $1,626.89 CAD
• Total: $5,084.95 CAD

International Students

• Tuition: $17,427.60 CAD
• Program Fees: $30.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $2,389.26 CAD
• Total: $19,846.86 CAD

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will work in various automated manufacturing facilities and may perform duties such as:

• Assisting in preparing conventional and computer-assisted designs, drawings, and specifications.
• Conducting mechanical tests and analyses of machines, components, and materials.
• Assisting in inspecting mechanical installations and construction projects.
• Performing Quality Control inspections as a Metrologist.
• Participating in the installation, repair, and maintenance of machinery and equipment.
• Programming and/or operating manufacturing equipment such as CNC Milling Machines and Lathes.
• Fabricating and welding components.
• Building and maintaining automation work-cells or production lines.

Other Information

Additional Costs:

• Students are required to supply their own CSA-certified footwear and safety glasses.
• Purchase of the Millwright Manual and the Technology of Machine Tools textbook is necessary.
• Students must acquire a tool kit or matching tools for use in labs.

Advanced Standing:

High school students with successful completion of specific multi-credit grade 12 Manufacturing-based Technology Design programs may be eligible for advanced standing in the program's core courses, contingent upon meeting the required academic averages.

St. Lawrence College (SLC) is a publicly funded college of applied arts and technology located in Eastern Ontario, Canada, with campuses in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall. Established in 1967 as part of the Ontario college system, SLC has served its communities for more than 50 years, combining modern, expansive facilities across three vibrant eastern Ontario cities with the advantages of small-town living and genuine personal attention to every student. With more than 140,000 alumni worldwide, over 5,500 student placements annually and more than 55 programs, SLC remains one of Eastern Ontario's most trusted and dynamic post-secondary institutions.

St. Lawrence College is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples. SLC is always grateful to live and learn on these lands.

Founding history

St. Lawrence College was born out of the broader creation of Ontario's college system in 1967, a vision championed by Premier William Davis — now regarded as the father of the Ontario College System — who responded to growing demand for technical education by establishing colleges of applied arts and technology across the province.

Cornwall and Kingston were selected to serve six counties in the Eastern Ontario region: Frontenac, Leeds, Grenville, Dundas, Stormont and Glengarry. In Kingston, the 59-acre former Ontario Psychiatric Hospital farmland at King Street and Portsmouth Avenue was acquired from the provincial government for one dollar. By September 1969, students were attending classes in the campus's first permanent building — a white steel structure comprising a gymnasium, cafeteria, administrative office and student lounges — while Dundas and Stormont Halls were still under construction around them. The first programs included Business Administration, General Business, Home Economics, Early Childhood Education, Engineering Technology and Electronics Technician.

In 1968, Cornwall Classical College, a private Catholic school, was purchased and renamed Moulinette Hall. Brockville was formally recognised as a third campus in 1970, acquiring Ontario Hospital farmland on Parkedale Avenue, also for one dollar. By its tenth anniversary, St. Lawrence College had established itself as a strong and creative force in its region, and has continued evolving ever since to meet the needs of students seeking skills that lead to a better quality of life.

Three campuses

• Kingston (main campus): 100 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, Ontario K7L 5A6 — Phone: 613.544.5400. The largest campus, set on the original 59-acre site, with modern facilities across multiple buildings and full access to student services, athletics, residences and libraries.
• Brockville: 2288 Parkedale Avenue, Brockville, Ontario K6V 5X3 — Phone: 613.345.0660. Located on the hill of Parkedale Avenue on the former Ontario Hospital farmland, serving the Brockville community and region.
• Cornwall: 2 St. Lawrence Drive, Cornwall, Ontario K6H 4Z1 — Phone: 613.933.6080. Built around the heritage Moulinette Hall site, serving Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry counties in the francophone and bilingual heart of Eastern Ontario.

Areas of study and programs

SLC offers more than 55 full-time programs across nine areas of study, available on campus, online, in hybrid formats and through fast-track delivery options:

• Apprenticeships
• Business
• Community and Social Services
• Design (Arts, Media and Design)
• Graduate Certificates
• Health Sciences
• Justice Studies
• Science and Technology
• Skilled Trades

Programs are available as certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates and four-year degrees. Online and part-time learning options extend access to working professionals, career changers and lifelong learners across Ontario and beyond. Credential types and delivery formats are designed to fit different stages of life and career.

Recent milestones and new programs

SLC has achieved several significant milestones in 2025 and 2026. Its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program received a seven-year accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), making SLC the first college in Ontario to achieve Path B accreditation for a standalone BScN degree — the maximum accreditation term possible, applying to the BScN program across all three campuses as well as the Practical Nurse to BScN Bridge program.

SLC also expanded its specialty nursing portfolio with three new certificate programs for registered nurses seeking advanced skills in high-demand healthcare areas: Mental Health Nursing, Registered Nurse Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), and Registered Nurse Perianesthesia Nursing (PACU). All three programs are offered online with flexible delivery to allow nurses to study while continuing to work. In 2026, SLC launched The Next Wave, a new brand campaign and platform that reimagines its iconic wave logo as a symbol of momentum, leadership and collective impact.

Graduate certificates

Graduate certificates are a key strength of the SLC portfolio, offering diploma and degree holders a focused pathway to gain specialised, industry-driven skills in a shorter timeframe. Programs are designed around real-world learning opportunities and current employer needs, providing a fast track into advanced or specialist roles across many of SLC's program areas. The Communicative Disorders Assistant graduate certificate, for example, prepares graduates to work alongside Registered Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists in a variety of settings, and is available in both in-class and online formats across Ontario.

Student support services

• Academic and Student Success: academic advising, tutoring, learning supports and success coaching
• Student Wellness and Accessibility: mental health services, counselling, and accessibility accommodations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
• Indigenous Services: dedicated cultural and academic support for Indigenous students, including connections to Elders and community resources
• Career Services: job search support, resume assistance, employer connections and placement partnerships
• Housing: campus residences available at all three campuses, providing a safe and convenient home-away-from-home for students
• Athletics and Recreation: varsity and recreational sports, fitness facilities and wellness programming across campuses
• International Student Services: dedicated advising, study permit guidance, orientation, homestay coordination and community integration support
• Libraries: campus libraries with digital and physical collections and student study spaces
• Student Governments: student-elected governments at each campus representing students' interests and organising campus life programming
• Financial Aid: OSAP, bursaries, scholarships (donor-supported and SLC/government-sponsored), Ontario Learn and Stay Grant eligibility, and the Better Jobs Program

Belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion

SLC is committed to creating a campus community where every student, staff member and faculty member belongs. Its Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (BEDI) framework guides institutional practice and programming, complemented by the School of Contemporary Teaching and Learning, which supports the ongoing development of educators and teaching practices across the college.

Sustainability

Sustainability is an embedded institutional commitment at SLC, with a dedicated Sustainability strategy guiding decisions across campus operations, curriculum and community partnerships. SLC's approach to sustainability reflects its responsibility to the communities and lands it serves across Eastern Ontario.

Pathways and credit transfer

SLC actively supports students in building on their SLC credentials. Credit transfer, pathway and articulation agreements allow eligible SLC graduates to continue into degree programs at partner universities, with recognised transfer credits reducing duplication and shortening time to degree completion. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) allows students to receive credit for skills and knowledge gained outside the classroom. Dual Credit programs for high school students create early pathways into college-level study.

International students

SLC welcomes international students to all three campuses, offering dedicated admissions support, English proficiency guidance, study permit assistance, and a comprehensive international student services office. Cost information for international students, payment guidance and placement agency partner listings are all published on the SLC website to support students and agents through the admissions process.

Why St. Lawrence College

1. A publicly funded Ontario college with more than 50 years of history, 140,000+ alumni worldwide and a consistent track record of preparing graduates for real careers in Eastern Ontario and beyond
2. Three campuses in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall, combining modern facilities with the personal attention and community connection of smaller-city life
3. More than 55 programs across nine areas of study, from apprenticeships and skilled trades through to four-year degrees, graduate certificates and online and part-time options
4. The first college in Ontario to receive seven-year CASN accreditation for its BScN program — the maximum term possible — across all three campuses
5. Over 5,500 student placements annually, with career services, placement agency partners and strong employer connections embedded across all program areas
6. Comprehensive student support including wellness and accessibility, Indigenous services, athletics, housing, financial aid and dedicated international student services.
7. The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant and other provincial funding options support students who study and remain in the region, addressing Eastern Ontario's priority workforce needs