Every time you turn a doorknob or use a lamp, you are using something that came at least in part from a factory. Workers in factories and small shops make all kinds of products that people use every day. To do their work, they need machines that cut or fit the parts together. The work of industrial mechanics or millwrights can help to make all of this work possible.

Industrial mechanics, also called millwrights, help to install and repair all kinds of machinery and equipment. Sometimes, they make the parts that they need to build or repair other machines. Making foundations for the machines or getting other people to build the foundations is also something that an industrial mechanic or millwright might do. Part of the work is maintenance, involving oiling moving parts or replacing anything that is broken.

Assembling machines is often one of the first steps, and workers in this job should be able to follow instructions and read blueprints. It is important to know how the different parts can break or problems occur, since people in this trade often repair various kinds of machines. One way to learn about these kinds of procedures is through an apprenticeship or through taking courses at a trade school. The basic requirement for this work is a Grade 12 education, but extra training can give people more opportunities.

It is a good idea to start preparing for this job in high school. English courses help improve reading and writing skills, which are useful abilities for reading instruction manuals and other documents. Mathematics courses can help students gain the background they need to program machines and to calculate the amount of material they will need for each job.

An ability to use welding equipment and other tools is essential in this job. Industrial mechanics should be good with their hands and be able to lift heavy objects. Having good eyesight helps, although people with glasses can also work in this job. An ability to think creatively is useful, since sometimes the trouble with a machine might not be obvious. It is important to be quite physically fit and to be able to stand for long hours in one place if necessary.

Generally, these tradespeople work regular daytime hours, normally full time, but they might sometimes need to work in the evenings or on weekends to solve problems with the equipment. Factories are the most common places where these tradespeople work, but small shops and other businesses might also be possibilities. Working for private customers is also possible. Wages start at about $32 per hour and rise to about $39, but many people might find the work too difficult as they get older. Job prospects are not very good these days, but as older workers retire, the availability of work could increase.

Working as an industrial mechanic or millwright is a good choice for people who like to make things with their hands. It could be the right choice for you. Why not consider this job for your future?

Bibliography:

ALIS. “Industrial Mechanic (Millwright).” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/industrial-mechanic-millwright/.

Careers in Construction. “Construction Million/Industrial Mechanic.” https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/construction-millwrightindustrial-mechanic.

Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. “industrial Mechanic/Millwright.” http://mitt.ca/programs/post-secondary-programs/41/industrial-mechanic-millwright.

Skills Canada. “Industrial Mechanic/Millwright.” https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com/en/skills/manufacturing-engineering/industrial-mechanics-millwright/.