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.
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Construction millwrights:
are employed by millwrighting contractors
Industrial mechanics:
People in these occupations:
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 2,790
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:
Millwrights and industrial mechanics typically work 40 hours per week. Shift work is common and employees may need to work on call in order to respond to machinery breakdowns. In addition, workers may be required to temporarily relocate to remote locations.
Millwrights and industrial mechanics work inside manufacturing facilities, where the environment is often noisy and dirty. They may also work outside, where workers are exposed to weather. As well, workers may work at heights from ladders and scaffolds or in cramped spaces.
Workplace hazards include moving machinery, falling objects and potential falls from heights. As a result, millwrights and industrial mechanics must be fully trained in safety procedures.
Source: 2016 Census
Completion of Grade 10 or equivalent (including English 10, Mathematics 10, Science 10) is the minimum education requirement; however, completion of secondary school is preferred. Other beneficial qualifications include:
Certification is not mandatory in B.C., but it can offer more well-rounded training and will likely increase work opportunities. Millwright and industrial mechanic apprenticeships:
Millwrights and industrial mechanics are eligible for Inter-provincial Standard Endorsement (Red Seal) qualification through the Industry Training Authority, which allows holders to work in any province or territory. Once individuals pass the final examination of their accredited training program, they will achieve certification and will automatically receive a Red Seal endorsement.
Workers with 9,900 hours of documented, directly related work experience who have not entered an apprenticeship program may obtain certification by passing a challenge exam administered by the Industry Training Authority. For more information please see the Industry Training Authority website at www.itabc.ca.
Industrial mechanics who are certified for that occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check. For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants. Contact the Industry Training Authority of BC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C. For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca. View a list of B.C. occupational regulators.
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
Visit our trades training page at www.workbc.ca/trades to learn about apprenticeship and trades training in B.C.
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 35 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. You’ll also find the skill strength needed, letting you know how capable you must be in that skill.
Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
In addition to retirements, a substantial number of jobs will result from worker turnover, as employees leave the occupation or move from one job to another.
Most workers in this group are employed by the Manufacturing industry. In B.C., manufacturing activity is dominated by the wood product and pulp and paper sectors. These sectors have seen limited growth as companies struggle to overcome the impact of U.S. export duties, a strong Canadian dollar, increased international competition and the damage caused by fires and pine beetle infestations. Older mills are being phased out and automation is being used to reduce labour costs in the mills that remain. These factors will all limit the demand for workers in this industry.
New technological developments, such as self-diagnosing machinery, robotics, laser tools and ultrasonic measurement, may somewhat reduce the demand for skilled construction millwrights and industrial mechanics. However, other technological developments, such as the further expansion of green technology, could positively impact demand for these workers.
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics will be expected to undergo continued skills development to become skilled in a wide range of new technologies.
Workers in this group with additional skills in such areas as welding, electrical work, and power engineering may have an advantage in finding work. Many companies are looking for a construction millwright or industrial mechanic who is able to conduct other trade work, especially in smaller plants without an electrician or engineer.
Career paths
Millwrights and industrial mechanics work in closely related occupations. While employed in one occupation, workers may learn some of the skills and techniques of the other. This provides a high degree of employment flexibility.
Additionally, workers may be cross-trained in a second, related trade, such as pipefitting, welding, machining or electrical maintenance. With experience, workers can advance to supervisory positions or start their own businesses.
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