Description of the Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) trade

“Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This analysis covers tasks performed by industrial mechanics (millwrights) whose occupational title has been identified by some provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:

Red Seal occupational title
Occupational title NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Millwright Check Mark
Industrial Mechanic Millwright Check Mark

Industrial mechanics (millwrights) work on industrial and mechanical equipment and components. This equipment may include mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel, lubrication, cooling and exhaust systems and equipment. Some components worked on include pumps, gear boxes, fans, tanks, conveyors, presses, generators, prime movers, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, robotics and automated equipment.

Industrial mechanics (millwrights) are responsible for assembling, installing, aligning, commissioning, maintaining, repairing, diagnosing, inspecting, dismantling, moving and decommissioning equipment. Servicing may include diagnosing irregularities and malfunctions, making adjustments, and repairing or replacing parts. Cleaning and lubricating equipment are also important maintenance tasks of the trade.

Other tasks that may be performed include welding, cutting, rigging and machining as required. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may prepare bases for equipment. In certain jurisdictions, industrial mechanics (millwrights) may assist other trades in troubleshooting and repairing other systems.

Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may refer to schematics, engineered drawings and manuals, both hard copy and electronic, to determine work procedures.

Industrial mechanics (millwrights) work with a wide variety of tools. They may use hand and power tools and access equipment in installation and repair work. Larger machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, drill presses and grinders may be used in fabrication of machine parts. Rigging, hoisting/lifting and moving equipment such as cranes, jacks and powered mobile equipment (PME) are commonly used to position large machines or machine parts.

Industrial mechanics (millwrights) are employed in all sectors of industry that involve mechanical moving equipment including mining, petrochemical, power generation, manufacturing, forestry, and processing facilities (food, service) among others. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) are involved with the installation, diagnosis, maintenance and repair of equipment and components.

The work environment for industrial mechanics (millwrights) is varied and may involve working in extreme or adverse conditions. They often work shift work. They may work in confined spaces, underground (in mines), at heights, with heavy equipment and around moving equipment. The work often requires considerable standing, kneeling and lifting of materials.

Key skills for people in this trade are mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, communication, job planning and organizing and the ability to use trade-related calculations. They have the ability to detect malfunctions through sensory tests which are often confirmed by condition-based monitoring. Other important attributes include good coordination, manual dexterity and spatial visualization.

Industrial mechanics (millwrights) often possess overlapping skills with other tradespeople such as steamfitter/pipefitters, industrial instrument mechanics, power engineers, welders, machinists or industrial electricians. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may work in specialized areas of the trade such as vibration analysis, thermography, tribology (fluid analysis) and laser/optical alignment. With experience, they may advance to other positions such as mentor, supervisor, planner, superintendent, manager, instructor or trainer.