Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics execute diverse tasks to ensure peak operational efficiency in manufacturing and industrial settings.

They actively engage in hands-on installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and overhaul of advanced machinery and equipment within machine shops, manufacturing plants, utility services, and other industrial establishments. FOCAL forecasts a strong labour market for this occupation within the automotive sector, with more than 1,460 openings this decade.

Where do Construction Millwrights work?

What do Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics do?

Millwrights and Mechanics are multidisciplinary skilled trades workers with key responsibilities that maintain health and safety, quality control and process efficiency in their workplace.

• 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
• Inspect and examine machinery and equipment to detect and investigate irregularities and malfunctions
• 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

Career pathways & potential earnings of Millwrights and Mechanics

Millwrights can progress to other roles and positions with the adequate experience and skills:

Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics can also apply their skills and expertise in other occupations such as the following:

• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
• Industrial electricians

How do I become a Construction Millwright?

There are several educational, licensing and training requirements to become a Construction Millwright or an Industrial Mechanic. Some requirements may vary by province or company. Below are the most commonly required qualifications to work as a Millwrights or Industrial Mechanic:

• Entry Requirements: A high school diploma, and training courses or a vocational program.
• Certification and Licensing: Certification provides expanded work opportunities and is necessary to perform certain tasks on job sites. Certification requires a three to four year apprenticeship or equivalent time in industry courses and practical experience. Certification is available and optional in all provinces and territories.

What are the most important skills to have as a Millwright?

Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics develop a variety of technical and soft skills, which are mostly gained from education, training, as well as experience working. Soft skills are especially important in this role, as recognizing where and when problems may arise is critical to preventative maintenance.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Design
• Production and Processing
• Mechanics and Machinery
• Equipment Maintenance
• Building and Construction
• Computer-Aided Design Software

Soft Skills

• Manual Dexterity
• Problem Solving and Recognition
• Problem Sensitivity
• Auditory Attention
• Visualization

Future of Millwrights & Mechanics jobs in Canada

The job market for Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics in Canada is bright and promising. In 2021, more than 61,000 were employed across Canada’s sectors and industries. FOCAL projects more than 1,450 job openings for Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics in Canada’s automotive manufacturing sector between 2021 and 2030. FOCAL also forecasts that during the same period, more than 1,300 workers are needed to fill recruitment gap in the sector.

Learn more about the job market for Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics, as well as about many other developments and new technologies in Canada’s automotive manufacturing by visiting our website futureautolabourforce.ca. You can also check our social media by following these links: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.