How to become a construction millwrights and industrial mechanic
Official title: Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
Also called: Millwright, Rig mechanic, Mine mechanic, Derrick mechanic, Ski lift mechanic, Industrial mechanic, Production mechanic, Maintenance mechanic, Mechanic - utilities, Apprentice millwright, Millwright apprentice, Millwright industrial
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics install, maintain, troubleshoot, overhaul and repair stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. This unit group includes industrial textile machinery mechanics and repairers. Construction millwrights are employed by millwrighting contractors. Industrial mechanics are employed in manufacturing plants, utilities and other industrial establishments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- Read blueprints, diagrams and schematic drawings to determine work procedures
- 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
- Operate hoisting and lifting devices such as cranes, jacks and tractors to position machinery and parts during the installation, set-up and repair of machinery
- Inspect and examine machinery and equipment to detect and investigate irregularities and malfunctions
- Install, troubleshoot and maintain power transmission, vacuum, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and programmable logic controls
- Adjust machinery and repair or replace defective parts
- Operate machine tools such as lathes and grinders to fabricate parts required during overhaul, maintenance or set-up of machinery
How to become one
Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required. Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience and industry courses in industrial machinery repair or millwrighting is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Textile machinery mechanics hired from other industries may require additional training in textile processes and experience as a textile manufacturing machinery operator. Industrial mechanic (millwright) trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories. Construction millwright trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Quebec and Ontario. Industrial sewing machine mechanic trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Quebec. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified industrial mechanics or millwrights upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience and industry courses in industrial machinery repair or millwrighting is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $72,150 a year The middle half earn $57,974 to $85,800.
- About 88,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 93,800 are projected by 2033. (+6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- Railway carmen/women
- Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
- Machine fitters
- Elevator constructors and mechanics
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Questions people ask
How do I become a construction millwrights and industrial mechanic?
Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required. Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience and industry courses in industrial machinery repair or millwrighting is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Textile machinery mechanics hired from other industries may require additional training in textile processes and experience as a textile manufacturing machinery operator. Industrial mechanic (millwright) trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories. Construction millwright trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Quebec and Ontario. Industrial sewing machine mechanic trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Quebec. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified industrial mechanics or millwrights upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does a construction millwrights and industrial mechanic earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $72,150 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $57,974 to $85,800.
Is a construction millwrights and industrial mechanic a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2033, from about 88,500 to about 93,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a construction millwrights and industrial mechanic?
Usually not. Only 5% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03