By CAGIS
Have you ever wondered what a machinist actually does? Participants who attended Ariana Vaillancourt’s CAGIS Virtual event, “Design a Keychain Tool,” got a hands-on introduction.
Ariana Vaillancourt is a professional machinist and one of the hundreds of STEM experts who volunteer their time and expertise each year, as mentors for CAGIS events. Ariana and her family also support CAGIS as regular donors*.
Read on to learn more about Ariana’s experience and expertise as a machinist!
*Click here to find out how you can donate today!
Meet Ariana Vaillancourt
How did you first discover CAGIS, and how are you involved with CAGIS today?
I first learned about CAGIS last year when my mom donated. Soon after, a CAGIS team member reached out and asked if I would lead a virtual event related to my industry. In Spring 2025, I hosted a session where I taught members about programming. We used a web-based tool called TinkerCAD to design our own custom wrenches. It was a great experience, and I’m excited to stay involved with CAGIS in the future!
Who or what first drew you to STEM and trades?
When I was young, my dad would bring me to his workplace so I could see what he did up close. He’s a Tool and Die Maker, and his job could get pretty messy—which I loved! Watching how much he enjoyed his work made me want to follow a similar path, and he became one of my biggest inspirations.
Tell us about your interest in machinery. Where did it begin?
My interest in machinery started in grade school. After dinner, my dad, my sisters, and I would sit together and watch How It’s Made. I was fascinated by how things worked and always begged to watch just one more episode. When I reached high school, I started taking shop classes. Using band saws, scroll saws, and sanders was only the beginning, and those early experiences opened the door to the many machines I work with today.
You are a machinist and an aspiring troubleshooter today! Could you tell us about what that is and what you do?
I am currently a CNC Lathe Setup Operator, which means I work with a computer-controlled machine called a CNC lathe to shape metal parts. A lathe spins a piece of metal very quickly while special cutting tools remove material to create precise shapes like cylinders, threads, grooves, and many other features used in manufacturing. One of my favourite parts of the job is troubleshooting. If a part isn’t turning out right, or if the machine isn’t behaving the way it should, I get to figure out why. I love challenging myself to solve problems, make adjustments, and get the machine running at its best.
Can you describe a day in the life of a machinist?
My job includes setting up the machine, installing and measuring cutting tools, loading programs, and making sure everything is aligned correctly before the machining begins. I machine different metal alloys that are later used in plastic injection moulding tools. Throughout the process, I check my parts carefully to make sure they meet exact specifications.
What is the coolest thing you have ever done or made as a machinist?
One of the coolest experiences I’ve had happened early in my career, when I got the chance to work alongside my dad during a summer internship. I’ve always dreamed of owning a machining shop with him one day, so learning from him in a real shop environment was incredibly meaningful and something I’ll never forget.
What advice would you give to any youth interested in pursuing a career in trades?
My biggest piece of advice is to find a mentor and dive in! Getting hands-on experience helps you understand what the work is really like and whether it’s something you enjoy. Many high schools offer Specialized High Skills Major programs or similar opportunities that let you try out practical skills. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty—you learn so much by doing!
