Millwrighting (industrial mechanics) involves the installation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of stationary industrial machinery, as well as mechanical equipment in factories, production plants and recreational facilities.
Overview
Millwrights, on a typical job, will read diagrams and schematic drawings and service manuals to determine work procedures, operate rigging equipment to pick and place machinery and parts, fit bearings, align gears and shafts, attach and align motors, connect coupling and belts, perform predictive and operation maintenance using laser alignment tooling, vibrational analysis and destructive/non-destructive testing, service and repair hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, and may do some tack welding, fabrication of machinery and equipment. Millwrighting has changed from the past of maintaining flour mills. Today, it is challenging, lucrative and stimulating. The reward of a career as a millwright can also be transferable into further education or related trades.
Typical Duties
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:
Read blueprints, diagrams and schematic drawings to determine work procedures
Install, align, dismantle and move stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment, such as pumps, fans, tanks, conveyors, furnaces and generators according to layout plans using hand and power tools
Operate hoisting and lifting devices such as cranes, jacks and tractors to position machinery and parts during the installation, set-up and repair of machinery
Inspect and examine machinery and equipment to detect and investigate irregularities and malfunctions
Install, troubleshoot and maintain power transmission, vacuum, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and programmable logic controls
Adjust machinery and repair or replace defective parts
Operate machine tools such as lathes and grinders to fabricate parts required during overhaul, maintenance or set-up of machinery
Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on machinery
Construct foundations for machinery or direct other workers to construct foundations
Assemble machinery and equipment prior to installation using hand and power tools and welding equipment.
Jobs and Careers
Sample Job Titles
Machinist
Machine tool operations
Fitter/Welder
Industrial mechanic
Millwright
Companies and Sectors
Bottling plants
Mines
Pulp and paper
Manufacturing
Construction
Education and Training
HOW TO JOIN THE FIELD
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in industrial machinery repair or millwrighting is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
Industrial mechanic trade certification is voluntary, in all other provinces and territories outside of Quebec.
Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available to qualified industrial mechanics or millwrights.
INDIGENOUS AND REMOTE CONSIDERATIONS
Many Indigenous and remote communities have mechanical knowledge, particularly when it comes to machines used to hunt. This enables people to fix machines in order to continue traditional hunting and gathering activities that sustain life. However, there may be less access to formal training on industrial mechanical knowledge. Many fly-in communities do not have access to the types of equipment and workplace technology learn the ropes in this career.
Students from these communities may need to relocate to get their education and training and may also need to travel to job sites once they get a career. However, mechanical knowledge is a highly desirable skill when it comes to life in remote communities where access to replacement parts and equipment is more limited than in other parts of the country.
DISABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
As this field involves manual skills and potentially uncomfortable working environments, it may be difficult for people with physical disabilities. Some accommodations may be necessary in order to be successful.
Competition Resources
2023 National Competition Contest Description_Post Secondary
Projects