In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $32.47 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $35.57 |
| Top | $39.69 |
Interest in setting up and assembling machinery and equipment before installation using hand and power tools and welding equipment
Interest in analyzing information to inspect and examine machinery and equipment to detect and investigate irregularities and malfunctions, to adjust machinery and to repair and replace defective parts; and in installing, trouble-shooting and maintaining power transmission, vacuum, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and programmable logic controls
Interest in speaking with other workers to direct them in constructing foundations for machinery; and in cleaning, lubricating and performing other routine maintenance work on machinery
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
On a typical job, industrial mechanics (millwrights):
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may do primarily construction work, plant maintenance or a combination of both types of work. They often work in close association with other trades people such as machinists, instrument mechanics, welders, electricians and pipefitters.
Working conditions vary from one job to another. On construction job sites, industrial mechanics (millwrights) are exposed to a variety of weather conditions. In plant maintenance, they may work indoors and outdoors. Hours of work also vary: shift work and some overtime may be required.
The work environment may be noisy and there is some risk of injury when working with heavy machinery. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may be required to lift and move items that weigh over 25 kilograms.
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy variety and doing precision work with machinery and equipment.
To work in Alberta, an industrial mechanic (millwright) must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must:
The term of apprenticeship is 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year. High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for credit or certification.
Industrial mechanic (millwright) apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at:
NAIT also offers technical training by distance delivery.
For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) install, maintain, repair and troubleshoot stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in sites such as factories, production plants and recreational facilities. For more information, see the Trades and Occupations section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act and Industrial mechanic (Millwright) Trade Regulation, you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
The term of apprenticeship for apprentice industrial mechanics (millwrights) in Alberta is four years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training in each year. Apprentices must find suitable employers who are willing to hire and train apprentices, and successfully complete technical training examinations.
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) trained in other provinces and territories can work in Alberta if they hold a certificate or license recognized by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board or have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified in Alberta. For more information, see the Recognized Trade Certificates page of the Tradesecrets website.
Any of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Service Offices located throughout Alberta. For a list of office locations and telephone numbers, click on "Contact Us" on the home page of the Tradesecrets website (tradesecrets.alberta.ca).
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) are employed by manufacturing, processing and construction companies as well as places such as amusement parks and ski hills. Those employed in construction may experience periods of unemployment.
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) are exposed to the duties involved in a variety of other trades, and therefore can be good candidates for promotion to supervisory and superintendent positions. Alberta certified journeyperson industrial mechanics (millwrights) who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7311: Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (except textile). In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the H411: Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics (Except Textile) occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 142 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $30 to $45 an hour plus benefits (2018 estimates). Apprentice industrial mechanics (millwrights) earn at least 60% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70% in the second, 80% in the third and 90% in the fourth.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.85 | $49.52 | $32.47 | $34.28 |
| Overall | $21.10 | $52.88 | $35.57 | $36.95 |
| Top | $25.14 | $56.73 | $39.69 | $38.95 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $85,951 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $85,638 |
| Wholesale Trade | $76,431 |
| Public Administration | $76,284 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $74,496 |
| Manufacturing | $73,729 |
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $66,150 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $56,779 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Calgary Construction Association website: www.cca.cc
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 30, 2015. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.