What is a Millwright?

Millwrights install, maintain, repair and troubleshoot stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in factories, production plants and recreational facilities.

On a typical job, Millwrights:

• Read diagrams and schematic drawings to determine work procedures
• Operate rig equipment and dollies to move and place heavy machinery and parts
• Install, level and align large stationary compressors, gas turbines, steam turbines and other large industrial machinery
• Align and test equipment, and make any necessary adjustments
• Perform preventive and operational maintenance using procedures such as vibration analysis
• Repair or replace defective parts when necessary
• Trouble-shoot hydraulic, pneumatic and programmable logic controls
• May do some welding and fabrication as well as maintain an inventory of replacement parts

This trade is most rewarding for those who enjoy variety, security and doing precision work with machinery and equipment.

Success in Millwrighting requires:

• The strength and stamina required to work with heavy equipment weighing more than 25 kilograms
• Good coordination and manual dexterity
• The ability to visualize a layout by looking at plans and blueprints
• The ability to comprehend and trouble-shoot mechanical systems
• The ability to get along with, and sometimes supervise, others

Apprenticeship Training

A millwright apprenticeship term is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year.

An applicant who has previously completed courses of study, or who has work experience related to the millwright trade, or who holds a related journeyman certificate and has the employer’s recommendation, may qualify for credit that can reduce the term of apprenticeship.

A person who has previous training or work experience in the trade and wants to determine their level of skill and knowledge for entry or advanced standing in an apprenticeship program may apply for a Prior Learning Assessment.