NOC 94105: Metalworking and forging machine operators
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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
NOC 94105 (Metalworking and forging machine operators) is a TEER 4 occupation — not skilled work for FSW or CEC. It is not on IRCC's high-wage list. It isn't on any current category-based draw list.
TEER
TEER 4
Not skilled for FSW/CEC
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
| NOC 2021 code | 94105 |
|---|---|
| Title | Metalworking and forging machine operators |
| Broad category | Occupations in manufacturing and utilities |
| TEER | TEER 4 — usually requires a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training |
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
Main 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
Your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties to use this NOC — check the full profile on the official NOC site.
Related occupations
- NOC 94100 — Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 94101 — Foundry workers
- NOC 94102 — Glass forming and finishing machine operators and glass cutters
- NOC 94103 — Concrete, clay and stone forming operators
- NOC 94104 — Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 94106 — Machining tool operators
- NOC 94107 — Machine operators of other metal products
- NOC 94110 — Chemical plant machine operators
- NOC 94111 — Plastics processing machine operators
- NOC 94112 — Rubber processing machine operators and related workers
← NOC 94104 Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing · NOC 94106 Machining tool operators →
Calculate your CRS score → · All NOC codes · High-wage list
TEER 4 also matters for work permits: see the spousal open work permit (TEER rules for spouses of workers), LMIA explained and the Atlantic Immigration Program (job offers in TEER 0–4).
Sources: Statistics Canada NOC 2021 V1.0; IRCC high-wage occupations; IRCC category-based selection; IRCC who can apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is NOC 94105 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 94105 is a TEER 4 occupation. IRCC only counts TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 work as skilled experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, so this occupation alone generally won't meet those requirements. Provincial programs may differ.
Is NOC 94105 a high-wage occupation?+
No. NOC 94105 isn't on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage occupations list, so it doesn't earn the extra high-wage or job offer CRS points. Canadian work-length points can still apply for TEER 0–3 work.
Which Express Entry category draws include NOC 94105?+
None of IRCC's current category-based selection lists include NOC 94105. Candidates can still be invited in general, program-specific (such as CEC) or PNP rounds.