Are you good at solving problems? Could you read plans and blueprints, visualizing a layout? Would you like to assemble equipment and work with mechanical systems? Then, you could train to be a Millwright!
What do I do?
Millwrights install, maintain, repair and solve problems with stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in factories, production plants and recreational facilities.
How do I advance?
The employment outlook for Millwrights in Alberta looks good. There should be opportunities in the manufacturing, processing and construction industries as well as in facilities like amusement parks and ski hills.
As a Millwright, you can see the work of many other trades so you can be a good candidate for promotion to supervisory and superintendent positions.
You can also move into related occupations. Special consideration is given to Millwrights interested in certification as Machinists.
How much do I make?
Apprentice Millwrights earn at least 60% of the journeyman wage rate in their first year of apprenticeship, 70% in the second, 80% in the third, and 90% in the fourth year. Journeyman wage rates vary, ranging from $21.22 an hour to as high as $28.65 an hour, base wage (figures take from 1999/2000 wage survey by Merit Contractors). In addition to the basic hourly rate employers provide holiday and vacation pay. Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.
Hours of work vary. Shift work and some overtime may be required.
Where do I go from here?
As a skilled Millwright, youÕll have the ability to get work that pays well.
With additional training, you can also move into related occupations like Machinist and Tool and Die Maker.
As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable so if you are interested in relocating you can take your skills with you!
How do I learn?
You can get a jump start on your future career in construction trades by checking out the Career and Technology Studies - Construction Technology courses offered at high schools. These hands-on courses are designed to help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry. For example, you might investigate Basic Tools and Materials CON1010, Oxyacetylene Welding FAB1040 or Mechanical Systems MEC1130. See your school counsellor for more information.
Millwrights learn their skills through apprenticeship training.
While youÕre still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program and earn high school credits at the same time! This is possible through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). After high school graduation, many RAP apprentices complete apprenticeship programs while working full-time.
To enter the Millwright apprenticeship program administered by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, you must have at least Grade 11 education or equivalent with a pass mark in Math 20 or 23 or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates, and may select apprentices from among their current employees. Courses in applied Math and Physics are particularly important.
To register in the apprenticeship program, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest apprenticeship and industry training office. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.
The term of apprenticeship is four years (four 12-month periods with a minimum of 1560 hours of employment each year.) In addition to on-the-job training, the term also requires eight weeks of classroom training for each year. Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.
Classroom training is arranged by Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently being offered at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary. When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact your local Human Resources Development Canada office.
Loans and grants are available on a needs-tested basis through Students Finance.
After successfully completing the required exams and working specified hours as an apprentice, you are awarded an Alberta Journeyman Certificate. If you pass an approved interprovincial exam, you qualify for the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal which means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout Canada.
Outside of the apprenticeship program, Grande Prairie Regional College offers a 34-week Industrial Maintenance Technician Program, which includes a work experience component. Applicants who have a high school diploma must have Math 20 or 23, Science 20 or Physics 20. Adults who do not have a high school diploma but have been out of school for at least one year must have Math 20 or 23, and Science 20 or Physics 20.
Check out more info:
For further information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, contact the nearest Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre (see the "Government of Alberta" listings in the telephone directory).
Or, Alberta residents can contact the Career Information Hotline by telephone at
1-800-661-3753 (in Edmonton call 422-4266). Hearing impaired individuals can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-232-7215 for message relay (in Edmonton call 422-5283).
