About the trade

An Industrial Mechanic Millwright works on industrial machinery, mechanical equipment, and components, including mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel, lubrication, cooling and exhaust systems, and pumps, fans, tanks, conveyors, presses, generators, and pneumatic and hydraulic controls.

Specifically, an Industrial Mechanic Millwright:

  • uses machine tools such as lathes and milling machines and fabrication tools such as welders, breaks, presses, power threaders, and punches
  • uses precision tools such as laser alignment equipment, dial indicators, micrometers, and precision and optical levels
  • uses testing equipment such as vibration analysis as well as other techniques used in predictive and preventive maintenance
  • installs, maintains and services compressed air, water and exhaust ducting to robotics, pumps, presses, compressors, turbines, material-handling systems, gearboxes and other machinery

In Ontario this trade is voluntary, which means completion of an apprenticeship program is optional and certification is not legally required to practice the trade.

Industrial Mechanic Millwrights make around $79,000 per year, two years after being certified.

Apprenticeship program

The Industrial Mechanic Millwright (433A) apprenticeship program consists of on-the-job and in-school training. The program typically takes four years to complete and consists of:

  • 7,280 hours of on-the-job training/work experience
  • 720 hours of in-school training

A minimum of Grade 12 high school education or its equivalent is required to qualify for the Industrial Mechanic Millwright apprenticeship program. 

On-the-job training

An Industrial Mechanic Millwright apprenticeship involves practical training provided on-the-job by a skilled worker or trainer. The skills or competencies to be developed through this training include:

  • protecting self and others
  • communicating
  • using drawings and schematics
  • using hand and power tools
  • using machine tools

See all skills and competencies in the Apprenticeship Training Standard (PDF). 

In-school training

An Industrial Mechanic Millwright apprenticeship includes three levels of theoretical training delivered in a classroom, which includes subjects such as:

  • drawings and schematics
  • rigging and hoisting
  • power transmission systems
  • electric and electronic controls
  • pneumatic and hydraulic systems

See all in-school training subjects in the Curriculum Training Standard:

Red Seal Program

The Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program is the nationally recognized standard for skilled trades workers in Canada. In Ontario, this trade is part of the Red Seal Program under the title Industrial Mechanic (Millwright).

If you are a tradesperson who holds a Red Seal-endorsed trade certificate, learn how you can apply to obtain an Ontario Certificate of Qualification in that trade without further training or examination. 

Trade certification for experienced workers

If you have work experience and/or training in a skilled trade, from another province or territory in Canada, or from another country, you may be eligible for certification through a Trade Equivalency Assessment.  

Canadian Forces (CF) trade qualifications: The Marine Engineering Technician CF trade is equivalent to the Industrial Mechanic Millwright civilian trade in Ontario. Learn more about how you can be certified through a Trade Equivalency Assessment as a current or former member of the Canadian Forces.