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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) read diagrams and schematic drawings as well as service manuals to determine work procedures. They also:
They may do some fabrication and tack welding (to temporarily hold components in place until they can be welded by qualified personnel), and maintain an inventory of replacement parts. Sometimes they supervise the work of others.
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may find themselves primarily in construction work or plant maintenance, or doing a combination of both. They often work in close association with other trades people such as machinists, instrumentation and control technician, welders, electricians and steamfitter-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, and 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, so there is a strong emphasis on safety. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may be required to lift and move items that weigh over 25 kilograms.
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) need:
They should enjoy variety and doing precision work with machinery and equipment.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 35 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2020 and Jul 27, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Area of Specialization: Troubleshooting | 30 |
|---|---|
| Repair or replace defective machinery parts | 29 |
| Detect and troubleshoot irregularities and malfunctions | 27 |
| Perform routine maintenance work on machinery | 27 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Power tools | 27 |
| Read and interpret blueprints, maps, drawings and specifications | 25 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 25 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Hydraulic system | 24 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 23 |
| Installing machinery and equipment | 22 |
To work in Alberta, an industrial mechanic (millwright) must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.
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 Training Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
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. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
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 [pdf] and Industrial mechanic (Millwright) Trade Regulation [pdf], 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 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.
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).
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) are employed by manufacturing, processing and construction companies, as well as places such as amusement parks and ski hills. Those working in construction may experience periods of unemployment.
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) are exposed to the duties involved in a variety of other trades, which means they are good candidates for promotion to supervisory and superintendent positions.
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 [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7311: Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 117 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 industrial mechanics (millwrights) wage rates vary but generally range from $30 to $45 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices 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 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* 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
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.