What does an Industrial Mechanic/ Millwright Do?

 Industrial Mechanic/ Millwrights maintain and repair stationary industrial machinery, mechanical equipment and automated and robotic systems. Industrial Mechanic/Millwrights are most often involved with installing, maintaining  repairing and removing machinery and equipment in industrial plants and factories. 

Learn about the business case for training apprentices in industrial mechanics

Essential Skills for Success as an Industrial Mechanic

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

• reading diagrams and schematic drawings to determine work procedures
• repairing and stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment 
• operating hoisting and lifting devices as necessary during the repair of machinery
• working independently and with others to solve mechanical and technical problems
• communicating , persuading, and explaining to others what needs to be done
• working accurately with numbers, and on occasion doing basic drawings of machine parts
• cleaning, lubricating and performing other routine maintenance work on machinery
• using welding equipment, hand and power tools as necessary

What Preparation and Training do You Need ?

To become an Industrial Mechanic/ Millwright, you require your Grade 12  secondary school diploma or equivalency before entering an apprenticeship of three to four years. 

What’s Your Future as an Industrial Mechanic/ Millwright ?

Most workers in this trade work full-time, sometimes in shift work,  most often indoors at industrial plants or in commercial buildings. Industries in Southern Ontario that employ Industrial  Mechanic/Millwrights include:

• primary steel producers
• motor vehicle manufacturers
• machinery and equipment manufacturers
• mining companies

For additional information about this career, check out the construction sector website at: www.CareersInConstruction.ca.

The introduction of computer-controlled equipment means that workers are being expected to maintain and repair "smart" machinery. Industrial Mechanic/Millwrights who have the computer knowledge to deal with programmable logic controllers improve their opportunities of finding a job.

Wage Rate

• As an apprentice, you would start at a wage less less than that of a journeyperson
• This rate gradually increases as you gain competency and skill
• Fully qualified Industrial Mechanic/Millwrights can earn anywhere from $19.00/hr to $30.00 per hour, with benefits and opportunities for overtime as well

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is becoming an Industrial Mechanic/ Millwright For You ?

Are you pretty accurate at and do you enjoy working with numbers?	Yes      No
Can you look at a diagram or blueprint and visualize how things come together?	Yes      No
Do you enjoy working with machinery and different kinds of tools?	Yes      No
Do you like to solve problems and suggest ways of fixing them?	Yes      No
Can you work happily by yourself, or in groups with other people?	Yes      No
Do you have the physical stamina to work with heavy equipment?	Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions,  Industrial Mechanic/ Millwright may be for you!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills:

• Machinist
• Tool & Die Maker
• Industrial Electrician
• Welder-Fitter
• Construction Millwright
• Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic