Trade
Programs: Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
For more information about this trade, contact the training
co-ordinator.
What does an Industrial Mechanic
(Millwright) do?
Industry depends on industrial mechanics to install, test, remove,
repair and service a wide variety of industrial machinery and equipment.
Just as there are many types of industrial operations, there are
a wide range of large and small machines and parts for which industrial
mechanics are responsible. Millwrights are trained to:
- read blueprints to determine the size and nature of installations
- determine and mark access routes for equipment
- install, test and remove conveyors, drive units, heating and
ventilating equipment, pumps, compressors and prime movers
- repair and maintain hydraulic, pneumatic and other special
systems
- identify and connect external piping to various sources
- diagnose malfunctions and conduct repairs
- examine and adjust equipment
- help select and plan maintenance and inspection programs and
train maintenance crews
What skills/abilities are required?
If you are mechanically inclined, enjoy fixing things and have
good communication skills, consider becoming an industrial mechanic.
In addition to being able to handle fairly heavy physical work,
you will be expected to translate information from blueprints and
to communicate with others. You should also have good problem-solving
and diagnostic skills. Since the types and locations of machines
vary widely, this is a good job choice for someone who enjoys variety.
Being able to work to exacting standards is also desirable.
How long is the apprenticeship
program?
The apprenticeship is four years consisting of four levels. Practical
and technical training is a minimum of 1600 hours per level. About
80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills
under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent
consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the
trade through in-school training.
What is taught during in-school/technical
training?
Millwrights must take technical training during each level of their
apprenticeship. Subjects include:
- Selecting, Testing and Processing Metals
- Machining and Fasteners, Welding
- Machinery Installation and Removal
- Material Handling Equipment
- Rigs and Hoists
- Machinery Clutches and Brake Repairs, Bearings and Seals
- Conveyance and Environmental Control Systems
- Hydraulic Systems, Compressors and Pumps
- Pneumatics, Tanks and Containers
- Electric Motors (Installation and Maintenance)
- Internal Combustion Engine
- Gas, Steam and Water Turbines
- Preventative and Predictive Maintenance
- Fabrication, Modification and Overhaul of Equipment
- Calibration and Analysis
What is the supervision ratio?
As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it
is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled
journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary
to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.
For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required
to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site
and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a
certified journeyperson in the trade.
What are the entrance
requirements?
Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: Begin your
apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years
in required.
General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high
school academic standing is required, including a recommended courses
in Math and Science. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold
a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a Mature Student.
Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.
Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in
the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may
become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry
experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination.
A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience
form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness
is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.
For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin
your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How
to Start".
Do I get a certificate?
When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical
experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial
examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify
for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate
confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.
Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification
as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.
What salary can I expect as an
apprentice?
Manitoba's Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Regulation states that
when an apprentice is not taking technical training, an employer
must pay the apprentice at least the provincial minimum wage plus
a percentage which increases by 10 per cent every six months over
the length of the apprenticeship. During the first six months of
an apprenticeship, the wage is the provincial minimum wage plus
30 per cent. In the last six months of the fourth level of an apprenticeship,
the wage is the provincial minimum wage plus 100 per cent.
Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the
wage rate in the collective agreement if this rate exceeds the pay
rates specified in the trade regulation.
Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance
for health, dental and vision care and training benefits. In total,
the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent
over and above the basic hourly pay rate.
Current wage details are available by downloading the training
wage schedule
What are the career prospects?
Millwrights are employed by manufacturing, processing and construction
companies or in mining, logging and ski operations. They tend to
specialize in post-installation maintenance and repair of machinery
and equipment. Depending on the job, working conditions and hours
of work may include shifts and overtime. Most millwrights work mainly
indoors, in repair shops, plants and other buildings, while others
may spend some time working outside.
Because millwrights often work closely with other trades professionals
such as machinists, industrial instrument mechanics, welders, electricians
and steamfitters-pipefitters they become familiar with the work
of other trades and are good candidates for promotion to supervisory
and superintendent positions.
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